Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Songhyeon-dong, Changnyeong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.75

Category

Sculpture

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

창녕군, 경상남도— 경남 창녕군 창녕읍 송현리 105-4번지

Coordinates

35.541111, 128.508434

This rock-carved seated Buddha is carved in relief on a large boulder. The boulder itself forms the mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), giving form to the light radiating from the Buddha’s entire body. The Buddha’s flat head is carved with a large yukgye, a topknot-like protuberance representing the six realms of existence to which people accede depending on whether they are good or evil during their time on earth. His chubby face creates an impression of gentleness, while his broad shoulders and plump chest and arms don’t look as strong as their large size would suggest. The Buddha’s thin, close-fitting beobui (sacerdotal robe) hangs in tiers over his left shoulder, while the right shoulder is exposed. His right hand is hanging down and his left hand is resting on top of the knee in the hangmachokjiin gesture, which represents the driving away of evil spirits. Although this stone Buddha resembles the principal Buddha statue at Seokguram Grotto, particularly with regard to its face and thin, close-fitting clothes, it exhibits the style of late Unified Silla statues in that it is less realistic and less powerful than those at Seokguram Grotto.

Location