Stone Standing Bodhisattva in Sangnim-ri, Geochang

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.378

Category

Sculpture

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1963

Location

거창군, 경상남도— 경남 거창군 거창읍 미륵길 19-61 (상림리)

Coordinates

35.687615, 127.894666

This large standing statue is made of granite and stands 3.5 meters high. Since Geonheungsa Temple was nearby, this statue was probably from the temple grounds. It is a Bodhisattva statue standing on top of an octagonal pedestal shaped like a lotus flower. The right hand is held close to the body and is holding a water bottle. The left hand is on the chest, and holds a lotus flower. This suggests that the statue might be Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, which was the main object of worship during the Goryeo Dynasty. The usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom), shaped like a topknot, is visible but the crown showing the statue to be a Bodhisattva is gone. The rectangular face has small eyes and closed lips. This is very different from the usual mild and merciful Bodhisattva image. Shoulders are squared and the rectangular body is stiff. The necklace and the robe around the shoulders are formal. There is a wide band around the waist, and the 'U' shaped folds in the clothing of the legs are crossed. The unsmiling face, the awkward body, and the formal symmetrical clothing patterns all help date the statue to the Goryeo Dynasty.

Location