Gapsa Sojoseokgayeoraesambuljwasangㆍsabosaripsang Reliquary Documents, Gongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2077

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려 말∼조선 초 판각 및 인출

Designated year

2020

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55 (견지동, 조계사) 불교중앙박물관

Coordinates

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Clay Seated Sakyamuni Buddha Triad, Four standing Bodhisattvas and excavated Documents of Gapsa Temple, Gongju means the eight pieces of documents found inside the Clay Standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and it consists of eight pieces inside its own case for each (a replica of the Vajracchedika prajnaparamita Sutra (The Diamond Sutra) transcribed in handwriting in Indian ink and seven other woodblock-printed copies). They were published between the late Goryeo Period and the mid-16th century (Joseon Dynasty Period). It is believed that they were printed pre-1617 (the 9th year of King Gwanghae’s reign), the date that’s written in the letter of prayer found inside the statues. These documents are not only valuable as printed edition but also hold academic and bibliographic value as far as woodblock engraving/ printing and the binding style are concerned. It is also argued that it would produce even more value if they served as references in the study of the types and nature of books found inside Buddha statues pre-1617, when the attendant Bodhisattva statues at the Main Hall of Gapsa Temple in Gongju were built.