Stone Seated Buddha at Yaksaam Hermitage, Gwangju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.600

Category

Sculpture

Era

통일신라시대 9세기

Designated year

1975

Location

동구, 광주광역시— 광주 동구 증심사길160번길 89, 약사암 (운림동) / (지번)광주 동구 운림동 11

Coordinates

35.122292, 126.972501

This Unified Silla Buddha figure is in an excellent condition. Carved out of rough granite, the figure represents Bhaisajyaguru, the Buddha of healing and medicine. The head covered with small hair whorls is slightly downward facing. The upper face is wide and the lower face comparatively narrower. Although the upper body is finely shaped overall, the shoulder lines slope downward rather sharply. The narrow waist, meanwhile, makes the chest seem more voluminous by contrast. The Buddha is clad in a manner to leave the right shoulder exposed. The garment, folded once at the chest level, is thin and worn close to the body, letting bodily contours appear through it. The right hand is rested on the lap with the finger pointed downward, and the left is placed near the abdomen. The two feet of the Buddha seated in lotus position are each above the opposite knee with the sole facing upward. The knees seem excessively wide. The throne is a typical octagonally-shaped lotus throne and has three levels that are each made of a separate stone. Based on the wide knees and stylized details, as well as the one-to-one ratio between the Buddha figure and the throne - elements all reminiscent of the main Buddha of Seokguram Grotto -, this work may be dated to late Silla.

Location