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Stone Buddhas of Yonghwasa Temple, Cheongju

청주 용화사 석조불상군 ( 淸州 龍華寺 石造佛像群 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Stone Buddhas of Yonghwasa Temple, Cheongju
Quantity 7 Buddha statues
Designated Date 1989.04.10
Age
Address Yonghwasa Temple 565, Musimseo-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do

According to the tablet on a ridge beam in the sanctum of Yonghwasa Temple, this temple was built in 1902. Legend has it that seven stone statues of Buddha appeared in the dream of Eombi, a consort of King Gojong, requesting her to build a house for them. She sent a person to find the stone statues at the stream northwest of Cheongju. Thus, Yonghwasa Temple was built, with the seven statues of Buddha enshrined in Mireukbojeon Hall of this temple. These statues -- consisting of five Buddha statues and two Bodhisattva statues -- are all large, the tallest one being 550 cm and the shortest being 140 cm. Among them, the 3rd Buddha statue to the left has an extraordinary large usnisa (protrusion on the top of Buddha’s head) rising on the curled hair. The body wearing the sacerdotal robe draped over the shoulders is entirely voluminous, and the Chinese character “卍” is carved in relief on the chest. The fifth Buddha statue to the left has unique pleats, with the big image of arhat carved on the rear side. This arhat seems to have been carved in later times. The standing stone statue of Buddha, which had the head and two hands repaired later, has a large usnisa on the curled hair. These seven Buddha statues are standing, with the seated statues of Buddha wearing sacerdotal robes draped over the shoulders. They are estimated to have been made in the Goryeo Period, judging from the face and detailed technique especially the pleats and hand shape.