Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Singye-ri, Namwon

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.423

Category

Sculpture

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1965

Location

남원시, 전북특별자치도— 전북 남원시 대산면 신계리 산18번지

Coordinates

35.434540, 127.301921

This rock-carved Buddha with a large mandorla carved from a large boulder is seated on a pedestal made of natural rock. Standing over 3m tall, the statue was carved in relief, with plenty of volume, and is preserved in a relatively good condition. According to an ancient legend, State Preceptor Doseon sculpted the statue in a single day. The top of the head has a particularly large usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom), while the ears are short and round. The Buddha’s face, with its vividly carved eyes, nose, and mouth, creates a solemn atmosphere. The body is stout, with broad shoulders and a well-developed chest, and the arms and legs look solid. The Buddha’s beobui (robe) hangs over his left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder exposed. The folds of his clothes are simply expressed in parallel lines. His two hands rest in his lap, but his left palm is turned upwards, while his right hand hangs down, with unfolded index and little fingers spreading out. Unusually, the dugwang (light radiating from the head) behind the head is expressed in round bead patterns and carved with lotus petals.Although the Buddha’s voluptuous face is a characteristic feature of the late Unified Silla Period, the simply carved details compared to the voluminous body have led historians to presume that this statue was made during the Goryeo Dynasty.

Location