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Iron Seated Buddha of Seonwonsa Temple, Namwon

남원 선원사 철조여래좌상 ( 南原 禪院寺 鐵造如來坐像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Iron Seated Buddha of Seonwonsa Temple, Namwon
Quantity 1 Buddha statue
Designated Date 1965.07.16
Age Goryeo
Address Seonwonsa Temple 151, Yongseong-ro, Namwon, Jeollabuk-do

This Iron Seated Buddha at Seonwonsa Temple in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, is a typical iron Buddha statue of the Goryeo Dynasty, showing very similar characteristics to the Iron Seated Sakyamuni Buddha at Hasachang-dong, Hanam (Treasure No. 332). The Buddha’s hair is expressed in the curly nabal style (i.e. twirled up and around in a seashell-shaped fashion), and there is a crescent-shaped boju (finial) on the middle of his head, a typical feature of Buddha statues made during the Goryeo Dynasty. The Buddha’s triangular face with its sharp-looking nose, closed mouth, and protruding jaw convey a serious expression. The Buddha’s beobui (robe), which is draped over both shoulders, and his wide collar band adjusted to the right, are uniquely expressed, as if the statue is wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes). The creases in the clothes are expressed in a simple "凸" shape, a popular technique of the time. The shoulders are straight and the chest is solid, giving the Buddha a robust and majestic impression. Two arms are placed around the slender waist. The hands were attached recently, but looking at the arms, it is assumed that the right hand was originally placed on a knee, with the tips of the fingers pointing downwards, while the left hand was placed on the stomach. As seen above, this Buddha statue may appear to have many abstract characteristics, but it is a valuable work that exhibits the characteristic features of iron Buddha statues of the Goryeo Dynasty through its balanced figure and sophisticated casting technique.