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Bulguksa Temple Vairocana Hall: Vairocana Buddha
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Bulguksa Temple Vairocana Hall: Vairocana Buddha
SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju; Unified Silla dynasty (668–935); Gilt copper alloy; H: 166 cm
Two particular images have remained popular since the Unified Silla dynasty (668-935): Sakyamuni Buddha and Vairocana Buddha. Vairocana, in particular, was popular during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) until the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910).
This Buddha is Vairocana who sits in full lotus position with hands in a variation of the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra, which usually depicts the left hand grasping the right finger. This type of portrayal is one of the first in Asia. The figure wears a monastic robe that leaves the right shoulder bare. The statue, which has recently been regilded, was listed as National Treasure No. 26 in 1962. |
