Hwaeomsa Mokjoseokgayeoraesambuljwasang Mit Sabosal Standing Figure, Gurye

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2139

Category

Sculpture

Era

1703년(숙종 29)

Designated year

2021

Location

구례군, 전라남도— 전라남도 구례군 화엄사로 539 (마산면, 화엄사)

Coordinates

35.227700, 127.500200Museum-based location

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 four bodhisattva statues in Hwaeomsa Temple's Gakwang Hall were created in 1703 as the principal images following the temple's reconstruction by Abbot Sungneung. These monumental seated buddhas and standing bodhisattvas represent the mature masterwork of master sculptor Saeknan near the end of his 40-year career. The project involved unprecedented royal patronage from King Sukjong and court figures including Queen Inhyeon, Prince Gyeongdeok, Lady Sookbin Choi, and Prince Yeongjo, along with major families. Twenty-four sculptors, including Saeknan, Chungok, and Ilgi, participated in the creation. The iconography follows 1665 Buddhist ritual texts, representing the Law Flower doctrine with unprecedented sculptural interpretation. The imposing central trinity contrasts with the dynamic standing bodhisattvas, demonstrating Saeknan's superior artistic sensibility. These works exemplify accomplished sculptural technique, aesthetic refinement, and doctrinal significance, representing an important landmark in late Joseon Buddhist sculpture.

Location