Stone Basin, Buyeo

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.194

Category

Other

Era

백제시대

Designated year

1963

Location

부여군, 충청남도— 충남 부여군 부여읍 금성로 5, 국립부여박물관 (동남리)

Coordinates

36.276363, 126.918989

Previously positioned in front of the government office in Buyeo, this stone basin was moved to the former museum site during the Japanese occupation, and is currently kept at Buyeo National Museum. According to a local legend, someone from the royal palace planted lotus flowers in the stone basin during the Baekje Dynasty. This round-shaped stone basin stands on a 工-shaped base with no decoration. The mouth of the stone basin tapers a little and describes a circular arc. The bottom surface is flat with soft curves. The outer surface is carved with eight vertical patterns. The inscription on the basin, which is similar to the one on the core stone of the first story of the Five-story Stone Pagoda at Jeongnimsa Temple Site, Buyeo (National Treasure No. 9), states that the Tang Dynasty of China had conquered Baekje. As the stone base is unadorned with lotus flowers, it would seem that this relic isn’t really related to the temple. Judging from the fact that the original location of the stone basin is known to be the former site of the Baeke royal palace, it is presumed that it served as a lotus bowl at the palace. The voluminous shape and sleek curves of the basin reflect the aesthetics of the Baekje people.

Location