Anapji Chulto Geumdongpan Bulsang (Collection)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1475

Category

Sculpture

Era

7세기 말

Designated year

2006

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 일정로 186, 국립경주박물관 (인왕동,국립경주박물관)

Coordinates

35.829387, 129.227912

The Ten Buddhas on Gilt-bronze Plaques excavated from Anapji Pond in Gyeongju, including a Buddha Triad, exhibit an excellent sculpture technique, the figures being realistic and imbued with a clear sense of volume. Stylistically, they display a kind of international combination of the styles of Unified Silla, China and Japan. In terms of style and iconography, they are comparable to the Plaques in the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures of Horyuji Temple, Japan, and to the Principal Icon of Amitabha in the Pure Land that can be seen on the western wall of the Golden Hall of the same temple. The realistic sculptural expression, as seen in the full, rounded faces and the naturally falling folds of the robes, reflects the style of Tang Buddhist sculpture at its peak, and shows the excellent expressiveness of Unified Silla Buddhist sculpture in the latter half of the 7th century. These ten images, including a triad and four bodhisattvas that go together to make up one set, were objects of worship, and were attached to the same structure along with two types of wooden niches. These ten plaques found at Anapji Pond have great cultural value as they are important examples of the excellent metal casting technique and sculptural style of the early Unified Silla Dynasty, as well as the international style that emerged in the late 7th century. They also constitute an important material for stylistic comparisons of Buddhist sculpture in Korea, China and Japan of the time, and for studies on the transmission and mutual influence of styles between the three countries.

Location