Stone Lantern in Baegam-ri, Hapcheon

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.381

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

합천군, 경상남도— 경남 합천군 대양면 백암리 90-3번지

Coordinates

35.508156, 128.219575

The temple at the site of which this stone lantern is located is variously called Baegamsa or Daedongsa Temple. The original location of this lantern is unknown because it was restored. It shows the light features of Silla stone lanterns by setting up a long octagonal pillar on a round lower pedestal decorated with eight lotus petals. A bud-shaped upper pedestal on the pillar has a shallow hole in which the octagonal light chamber can be fixed. There are square openings on four sides of the light chamber and the Four Guardian Kings sculpted in relief with an excellent technique on the other four sides. It is fascinating to imagine the light chamber with the light on. The roof stone has a single-tiered base which has a hole for the light chamber to be inserted. The roof follows the typical pattern of Silla Period with a gentle slope and clear angles. The carvings of flowers on each corner have been seriously damaged and only a trace is left. The finial is also missing except for a sculpture of eight lotus petals. The lantern’s decoration on the upper and lower pedestal is splendid. The hole in which the light chamber is fixed and the arrangement of the Four Guardian Kings are especially remarkable. It's a masterful example of the stone lantern of the late 8th century during the middle Unified Silla Period.

Location