Muryangsa Sojoamitayeoraesamjon Seated Figure, Buyeo

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1565

Category

Sculpture

Era

1633년

Designated year

2008

Location

부여군, 충청남도— 충남 부여군 외산면 무량로 203, 무량사 (만수리)

Coordinates

36.316982, 126.693063

Echoing the style of big clay Buddha images enshrined at many large Korean temples in the 17th century, the Triad is the principal icon of the Geungnakjeon Hall, a two-story pavilion, of Muryangsa Temple in Buyeo. The Triad consists of Amitabha, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta. A letter of invocation found inside the Images along with other artifacts states that the Triad was made in 1633 by the Monk sculptor Hyeonjin. With its production date clearly revealed, the Triad is regarded as a valuable resource for studying the history of sculpture and different schools of Buddhist sculpture of the late Joseon Dynasty. Probably due to difficulties in carving large-sized figures, the Buddhas tend to look somewhat formulaic in appearance, but they are still monumental works demonstrating efforts across the Buddhist community to restore self-confidence and pride in the wake of the two major wars with Japan and Qing. The iconography comprised of Amitabha, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta is rare for the early 17th century, when Buddha Triads mostly consisted of the Buddhas of the Three Ages or the icons representing the threefold body of Buddha.

Location