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Yeonhwasa Temple: Stele
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Yeonhwasa Temple: Stele
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Yeonhwasa Temple: Stele
SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Sejong; Unified Silla dynasty (668–935); Granite; H: 52.4 cm
The sculpture was created during the late 7th century and listed as Treasure No. 650 in 1978. The Buddha is seated on a high throne at the center of an arched backscreen that rests on a lotus support. A large incense burner is located before the Buddha, with two stems extending from the sides to form the lotus pedestals of the attendant figures, which are carved in low relief. The lotus nimbus is surrounded by flames along the edges. The Buddha is flanked by disciples and Bodhisattvas with simpler lotus nimbuses. Images of the Seven Buddhas once surround the central Buddha, but only traces of them remain.
A seated Buddha is located on the reverse side. The figure has the right hand most likely in the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra, and became the pioneer for other bhumisparsa-making statues that became popular after the 8th century. The figure 's lotus nimbus is enclosed by a flaming mandorla. Other Buddhas are carved on the side of the rock. |
