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Yeongtapsa Temple: Vairocana Buddha Triad
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Yeongtapsa Temple: Vairocana Buddha Triad
SOUTH KOREA, South Chuncheong, Dangjin; Goryeo dynasty (918–1392); Gilt copper alloy; H: 51 cm
Vairocana is at the center of this composition, identified by the hands that are held in a variation of the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra, where the left hand grasps the thumb of the right hand. The mouth of Vairocana is in a style often seen on Goryeo (918–1392) statues. The knot that fastens the monastic robe is a new feature never seen on statues from the Unified Silla dynasty (668–935), so it was most likely influenced by the Chinese Song dynasty (960–1279). The figure sits in full lotus position upon a lotus flower supported on an openwork stand. Smaller lotuses blossom from the stand where the attendants are sitting. These two Bodhisattvas are almost the same in detail apart from the mirror image of their hands and the positioning of the top foot. The hands are in the abhaya (fearlessness) and the varada (wish-granting) mudras. The tall crowns they wear are fronted with a seated Buddha. Locks of hair scatter to their shoulders and stoles hang down over their arms. The slender and slim waisted bodies are decorated with heavy necklaces and bracelets and are in a style predominantly reserved for nobility. The statues were listed as Treasure No. 409 in 1964. |
