Buddhist Altar at Baekheungam Hermitage of Eunhaesa Temple, Yeongcheon

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.486

Category

Other

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1968

Location

영천시, 경상북도— 경상북도 영천시 은해사로 417-144(청통면, 백흥암)

Coordinates

35.996560, 128.768017

In general, the altar on which a statue of Buddha is placed (sumidan altar) is a pedestal modeled after Mount Meru (also called Sumeru), a sacred mountain with five peaks in Buddhist cosmology. This altar, 125 cm in height and 413 cm in width, located inside the Geungnakjeon Hall, the Hall of Paradise, of Eunhaesa Temple, was made during the late Joseon Dynasty. It consists of five layers at the front with each layer divided into five rectangular-shaped sections. The top layer is engraved in relief with panel decorations. The second layer is engraved with phoenixes, peacocks, cranes, and pheasants, and the third with very elaborate and skillful designs of dragons, children, fish and frogs. The forth layer is engraved with elephants, lions and deer, all carved inside flower patterns. Both ends of the bottom layer are carved with and faces of goblins, with a dragon pattern in the middle. The distribution of animals and birds on each layer is very special, and the engraving skill is outstanding. Although altars with similar characteristics remain from the late Joseon Dynasty, this one is an especially excellent example.

Location