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Dry-lacquered Seated Amitabha Buddha of Simhyangsa Temple, Naju

나주 심향사 건칠아미타여래좌상 ( 羅州 尋香寺 乾漆阿彌陀如來坐像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Dry-lacquered Seated Amitabha Buddha of Simhyangsa Temple, Naju
Quantity 1
Designated Date 2008.03.12
Age
Address Simhyangsa Temple 41-1, Geonjae-ro, Naju, Jeollanam-do

This is one of the many Buddha statues made in the dry lacquer method, with clay or plaster core removed, between the late Goryeo and early Joseon Dynasty. The Buddha has an exotic and austere facial expression, typical of the Buddhist images of late Goryeo. The narrow folds in the robe flowing down from the left shoulder echo those on two other famous wooden seated Amitabha Buddhas from the late Goryeo Dynasty – one at Gaeunsa Temple (dated 1276) and the another at Bongnimsa Temple in Hwaseong (dated earlier than 1362). Buddhist temples in the Naju region, including Bulhoesa and Jungnimsa, have more Buddhist images made with the dry-lacquered method, among which this is one of the earliest known works. It stands out most prominently in formative quality.