Songgwangsa Sojoseokgayeoraesambuljwasang Mit Reliquary Objects, Wanju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1274

Category

Sculpture

Era

조선 인조19년(1641)

Designated year

1997

Location

완주군, 전북특별자치도— 전북 완주군 소양면 대흥리 569번지 송광사

Coordinates

35.885516, 127.241889

Songgwangsa is a temple founded by Monk Doui Seonsa in 862 (the 7th year of the reign of King Gyeongmun of Silla). The Buddha Triad at this temple is composed of Shakyamuni Buddha at the center, Amitabha Buddha to the right, and Medicine Buddha to the left. This one (height: 5m), along with the image of Amitabha Buddha (height: 5.4m) in Muryangsa Temple, is the tallest clay-made Buddha image in the country. It displays a well-proportionate body. The solemn, well-rounded faces and thick robes appear to show expressions fit for Buddha images. The turban shell-shaped hairs of the heads look very unique, characteristic of the style that emerged in the late Joseon Period. From the image of Lord Buddha, many articles were produced including a record concerning how the triad was made, several Buddhist scriptures like Saddharma-Pundarika (Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law), and a casket for such articles. The record tells us that the triad was made in June 1641 (the 5th year of King Injo’s reign) to pray for the long life of the King and the Queen and early return home of Crown Prince Sohyeon and Prince Bongnim from the Qing Dynasty of China, where they were taken hostage after Qing’s invasion in 1636. The triad was a result of the best efforts made in connection with the need to overcome the crisis situation following the 7-year invasion of the Japanese and invasion of Qing. Researchers regard the triad as a precious material, an object providing clear information as to when it was made and reflecting the historical consciousness of Koreans. The triad, along with the 12 relics found from its inside, 3 records on how the triad was made, and 3 caskets for the relics, was designated as Treasure No. 1274.

Location