Monument for the Construction of Inyangsa Temple, Changnyeong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.227

Category

Books & Records

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

창녕군, 경상남도— 경남 창녕군 창녕읍 교리 294번지

Coordinates

35.543832, 128.494103

This commemorative stone is unique in that the inscription explains in detail the making of a bell at the Inyangsa Temple in 771 as well as when and how a number of other bells, pagodas, Buddha images, shrines and various facilities were made during a period of 40 years from 771 (the seventh year of King Hyegong of the Unified Silla Dynasty) to 810 (the second year of King Heondeok of Silla). Although heavily marred, the calligraphy in the inscription is mostly in the standard style that was in fashion of the time. However, as there are other styles, it is considered as a good resource for the study of development of the calligraphy style. The commemorative stone is composed of a square pedestal, a main body and a large roof-like capstone. The image of a monk carved in relief at the back of the memorial stone is believed to be of one who was involved in the establishment of the temple. From the young face with benign smile on it as well as the gentle lines of the image, art historians assume that it was made in the 8th or 9th century. The roof-like capstone is so disproportionately large that it is doubtful whether it is the original. But, it is significant as it has a record of a definite time when the Buddhist temples were built, the golden age of the Unified Silla Dynasty.

Location