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Wonpungri: Seated Buddhas
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Wonpungri: Seated Buddhas
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Wonpungri: Seated Buddhas
SOUTH KOREA, North Chungcheong, Goesan; Goryeo dynasty (918–1392); H: 3 m
Depicted on a ridge along the road from Chungju to Sangju, these two Buddhas were created during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). A niche carved from the overhanging cliff features the Buddhas seated side by side, a popular depiction during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534) in China, but rarely seen in Korea. The seated Buddhas were listed as Treasure No. 97 in 1963.
The figures wear symmetrical monastic robes with deeply carved folds. Both hands are in their laps as they sit cross-legged, with slightly closed eyes and pursed lips, suggestive of meditation. Traces remain of the colors in which they were originally painted but the Buddhas have suffered severe erosion. Smaller images that surround the heads are indecipherable. |
