Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha at Biroam Hermitage of Donghwasa Temple, Daegu

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.244

Category

Sculpture

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

동구, 대구광역시— 대구광역시 동구 동화사1길 1(도학동, 동화사)

Coordinates

35.992024, 128.702746

This is a good example of Vairocana Buddha statues that were popular during the 9th century. It has both the pedestal and mandorla, and it is in a relatively good shape. The round plump face has small eyes, nose and mouth. It's not smiling, but has a serene expression. The shoulders are noticeably small, the chest is flat and the lower body is dull. These features are typical of Buddha statues made in the middle of the 9th century. The right hand is covering the left index finger, which is the normal posture of Vairocana Buddha statues. The robe covering both shoulders has thin parallel folds at regular intervals. The 'U' shaped pattern on the lower garment is peculiar. The body mandorla is in the shape of a boat. The edges form a flame pattern. There is a Buddha Triad on the top of the mandorla, and eight Buddhist images are arranged on either side. This was supposedly created at the same time as the Three-story Stone Pagoda (Treasure No. 247) in the same temple, which was made to pray for the soul of King Minae. This Vairocana Buddha was made to commemorate King Minae during the reign of King Gyeongmun.

Location