Namjangsa Iron Seated Vairocana Buddha, Sangju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.990

Category

Sculpture

Designated year

1989

Location

상주시, 경상북도— 경북 상주시 남장1길 259-22, 남장사 (남장동)

Coordinates

36.430607, 128.106092

This iron seated Vairocana Buddha is enshrined in Bogwangjeon Hall of Namjangsa Temple in Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do; today, only the body of the Buddha remains. The decent face and ears that are long enough to touch the shoulders are well-harmonized with the three lines on the neck to create a dignified impression. The robe draped over the shoulders softly hangs down to cover the knees, and the pleats are expressed only on the end of the arms and legs and boldly omitted and simplified at other parts. Two hands join in front of the chest to clench a fist. The right hand with only the forefinger stretched is wrapped by the left hand. The location of the hands is reversed, considering the shape of the usual Vairocana Buddha statues. The solemn look, knot tying a skirt, U-shaped robe draped over the left shoulder, decent face, less schematized skin and pleats, long body, etc., are characteristic of a Buddha statue made in the early Joseon Period and are regarded as an important material in studying the iron Buddha statues of Joseon.

Location