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Rock-carved Seated Buddha at Bungmireugam Hermitage of Daeheungsa Temple, Haenam

해남 대흥사 북미륵암 마애여래좌상 ( 海南 大興寺 北彌勒庵 磨崖如來坐像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Rock-carved Seated Buddha at Bungmireugam Hermitage of Daeheungsa Temple, Haenam
Quantity 1 Item
Designated Date 2005.09.28
Age Around the 11th century (Goryeo)
Address Bukmireukam Hermitage, San 8-1, Gurim-ri, Samsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do

This is a rock cliff Buddha carved out of a large natural rock. It is in the form of a stone cave made to seat wooden statues of Buddha. The usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom) is distinct, and the face is round and flat, but graceful. The ears are long and detailed and the formal three wrinkles on the neck represent samdo (the three ways for a Buddhist to go through to attain enlightenment). The body is heavily clothed, but the curves of the body are mostly evident. The volume and posture are balanced. However, the lower body is infirm compared to the upper body because of the cross-legged posture with both feet placed on top of both knees. The right hand on top of the knee looks weak with the hands in the position of fending off evil spirits. A distinctive feature of this Buddha statue is the robe typical of that era. The robe draped over both shoulders looks troublesome because of the outer garments, but it has the same style as the seated iron Vairocana Buddha statue at Dopiansa Temple in Cheorwon (National Treasure No. 63). There is a lot of volume in most of the body, but the proportions are abnormal, and the techniques used are inferiorly. It is believed to have been made during the early Goryeo Period.