Yongmunsa Mokjoamitayeoraesamjon Seated Figure, Yecheon

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.989-1

Category

Sculpture

Era

조선 숙종 10년(1684)

Designated year

1989

Location

예천군, 경상북도— 경북 예천군 용문면 용문사길 285-30, 용문사 (내지리)

Coordinates

36.731386, 128.369496

Placed before a wooden panel of a group of Buddhist icons carved in high relief in Daejangjeon Hall of Yongmunsa Temple, Yecheon, this wooden Buddhist triad shows Amitabha Budda flanked by two bodhisattvas. The principal Buddha has no usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom) but features the semilunar “topknot jewel” on the front center of the head, and dignified appearance. The robe is rather thick and draped from both shoulders to cover the entire body except for the neck and the central portion of the breast, while creating folds depicted in a simple and stylized manner. Details show that the Buddha and his attendants were made by the same artist who produced the altarpiece on the wall behind them although the masterly skills used for the depiction of the raised hands suggest that he was more attentive when carving the statues. According to a postscript written on the lower part of the principal Buddha, the statues were carved in 1684 when Joseon was under the rule of King Sukjong (1674-1720). They are now generally regarded as a fine example of the Korean Buddhist sculpture in the late 17th century.

Location