Neunggasa Mokjoseokgayeoraesamjonsang Mit Sibyuknahansang (Collection), Goheung

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2137

Category

Sculpture

Era

1685년(숙종 11)

Designated year

2021

Location

고흥군, 전라남도— 전라남도 고흥군 팔봉길 21 (점암면, 능가사)

Coordinates

34.638487, 127.413798Kakao address conversion

This English description was machine-translated and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the original Korean text for details.

The wooden Buddha triad of Sakyamuni and the sixteen arhat statues from Neungga Temple in Goheung were created in 1685 according to devotional records. Master sculptor Saeknan and his apprentices, who worked throughout Jeolla and southern Gyeongsan provinces, were the principal creators. Saeknan served as a senior monk at Neungga Temple on Palryongsan Mountain, playing a central role in various temple projects. These arhat hall sculptures are exceptional, featuring an unusual composition of Sakyamuni Buddha with Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra alongside the sixteen arhats, reflecting a distinctive iconography that influenced later Buddhist art. The existing statues maintain excellent sculptural qualities, with expressive arhat faces and dynamic postures. The diverse materials used for bases, including auspicious animals, demonstrate creative ingenuity. These sculptures represent the formation and development of Saeknan's artistic tradition, reflecting the influence of his masters Eungwon and Injun, as well as the lacquer artist Muyeom, making them invaluable for understanding late Joseon Buddhist sculpture.

Location