Stone Lions from Gwandeok-dong, Uiseong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.202

Category

Other

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

수성구, 대구광역시— 대구광역시 수성구 청호로 321 (황금동, 국립대구박물관)

Coordinates

35.845859, 128.637925

Originally made for the Three-story Stone Pagoda in Gwandeok-ri, Uiseong (Treasure No. 188), this stone lion and lioness are the only surviving pair of two such pairs. These stone beasts were originally placed upon all four corners of the upper part of the pagoda's stylobate, but sadly two of them were lost in 1940. The remaining two are kept in Gyeongju National Museum. As these two lions are severely damaged, it is hard to determine the precise nature of the sculptural techniques employed to make them. The lioness sits on its hind legs, holding up her forefeet; her face is turned to the right; and the prayer beads worn in her neck resemble those of the stone lions at Dabotap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju. It is unique in that three cubs are represented under the lioness's body, one of which is sucking at her breast. The lion is sitting in the same position as the lioness, but with his face slightly turned to the left. It is believed that both animals were arranged to look at each other. Even though it is difficult to determine the details of the sculptural techniques used to produce these works, they appear well balanced, with muscular chests and strong-looking legs. They are believed to have been built in the early 9th century, i.e. the same construction period as the Three-story Stone Pagoda in Gwandeok-ri, Uiseong.

Location