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Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha

석조비로자나불좌상 ( 石造毘盧遮那佛坐像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha
Quantity 1 Buddha statue
Designated Date 1963.01.21
Age Unified Silla
Address Kyungpook National University Museum 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu

This is a stone seated Vairocana Buddha kept in the Kyungpook National University Museum. It is a good example of the Vairocana Buddha statue that was popular during the late Unified Silla Dynasty. The hair is curly, and the head is large and round compared to the body. Although other Vairocana Buddha statues of the time have stiff, neat expressions, this statue has a plump face with a trace of a smile on its lips. The shoulders are narrow and the body is remarkably dwarfish. It is sitting cross-legged with the feet on top of the knees with the soles of the feet facing the sky. The hands are in the formal Vairocana Buddha position, the jigwonin (the mudra symbolizing Buddha and the multitude are one), where the right hand is covering the left index finger. The clothing covering the shoulders is thick and the folds are formal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which gives form to the light coming from Buddha's body, is shaped like a boat and is much larger than the body. There are five Buddhas, with hands together at the chest, inscribed in the mandorla and detailed spark patterns on the edge of the mandorla. There are elegant flower patterns and animal images on the octagonal pedestal, though it appears formal. The narrow shoulders, flat chest, small body, and shape of the clothing are typical characteristics of the common form of Vairocana Buddha statues of the time. It seems to have been made at the same time as the Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha of Donghwasa Temple (Treasure No. 244) which was made in 863, the third year of the reign of King Gyeongmun of Silla.