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Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha of Simboksa Temple, Pyeongtaek

평택 심복사 석조비로자나불좌상 ( 平澤 深福寺 石造毘盧遮那佛坐像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha of Simboksa Temple, Pyeongtaek
Quantity 1 Buddha statue
Designated Date 1972.03.02
Age Unified Silla (Presumed)
Address Simboksa Temple 47-24, Deongmok 5-gil, Hyeondeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do

This Buddha figure, housed in Neungin Hall of Simboksa Temple, is said to have been found submerged in the sea section near Deonmong-ri and brought up by an elderly resident of Mongsanpo, Paju-gun by the name of Cheon. According to the locals, the elderly man looked for a new home for the statue by visiting temples in the area. Upon arriving at Simboksa, the statue is said to have suddenly felt very heavy, which prompted him to choose this temple. The head is covered with small hair whorls and is surmounted by a small low-rising usnisa (a protuberance symbolizing supreme wisdom). The round face displays an air of congeniality. The ears are large, and the three lines on the short neck are conspicuous. The robe covers both shoulders. Floral motifs are present at the edges of the robe, including the sleeve edges. The knot of the sashes closing the inner garment at the abdomen level is sculpted quite realistically. The drapery is rather lifeless with garment folds in horizontal lines repeated at regular intervals. The throne has three tiers of design. The top tier is sculpted with sixteen lotus flowers, while the middle tier has two lions propping up each other with raised front paws. Finally, the bottom tier is decorated with eight lotus flowers, each consisting in two rows of petals. Somewhat stumpy in appearance, the Buddha is nevertheless well-balanced and clean-cut overall. Judging from its over-stylized aspect, this Buddha figure is likely to date from sometime in the 10th century.