Stone Seated Buddhas in Bukji-ri, Yeongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.220-2

Category

Sculpture

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

영주시, 경상북도— 경상북도 영주시 부석면 북지리 141 부석사

Coordinates

36.999835, 128.687543

These were originally at a temple site over a mountain east of the Buseoksa Temple before they were replaced. Looking at their styles, they were most likely made by the same sculptor. The Buddha statue on the east side has a cylindrical head and a trace of a smile on the face. Although both hands are gone, the two arms are raised to the chest to suggest a Vairocana Buddha in the Jigwonin position (the mudra symbolizing Buddha and the multitude are one). The Beobui (sacerdotal robes) covering both shoulders has the fine parallel folds that were popular at the time. The middle part of the pedestal is octagonal with one of the eight guardian demons carved on each side. The Buddha statue on the west side is plumper with smoother lines on its body. These statues are examples of the Vairocana Buddha statues that were popular during the late 9th century. These statues are especially highly praised to represent the characteristics of Buddhism and Buddha statues in its elegant humanlike form, parallel folds, and posture.

Location