Iron Seated Buddha, Chungju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.98

Category

Sculpture

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1963

Location

충주시, 충청북도— 충북 충주시 사직산12길 55, 대원사 (지현동)

Coordinates

36.969261, 127.929222

This iron seated Buddha measuring 0.98 m in height exhibits the same overall style as the Iron Seated Buddha of Danhosa Temple, Chungju (Treasure No. 512), although it can be distinguished from the latter by its restrained expression. The Buddha’s hair is expressed in nabal style (i.e. twirled up and around in a seashell-shaped fashion), and a usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom) can be seen on top of his head. The Buddha’s triangular face, large eyes, tightly closed mouth, and 八-shaped folds give it a rather serious or grim expression. The sturdy-looking upper body and the cross-legged posture are relatively balanced, but have a strained yet exaggerated look. The beobui (sacerdotal robe) hanging down from both shoulders is symmetrical, with geometrical folds at regular intervals, accentuating the generally restrained expression of the statue. The parallel folds in each leg are also highly geometrical. Judging from the schematic expression of the statue, it is thought to have been made during the early Goryeo Dynasty.

Location