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National Treasure

Stele of State Preceptor Jigwang at Beopcheonsa Temple Site, Wonju

원주 법천사지 지광국사탑비 ( 原州 法泉寺址 智光國師塔碑 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Stele of State Preceptor Jigwang at Beopcheonsa Temple Site, Wonju
Quantity 1 Item
Designated Date 1962.12.20
Age Goryeo
Address San 70, Beopcheon-ri, Buron-myeon, Wonju, Gangwon-do

The stele erected to mark the stupa enshrining the relics of the State Preceptor (984-1067) is located at the site where a Buddhist temple named Beopcheonsa had existed. The preceptor’s reliquary stupa has been moved to the National Palace Museum of Korea. The stele is put on a tortoise-shaped pedestal and covered with a capstone resembling a crown. The tortoise forming the pedestal features the head of a dragon rather than a tortoise with bulging, wide open eyes, wide open mouth, and long beard. The shell of the tortoise is carved with many squares each containing the Chinese character Wang (meaning “king”). The body of the stele carries, in addition to the inscription honoring the monk, two dragons flying between clouds engraved in a detailed, realistic manner on both sides. The capstone has elaborately carved “corner flowers” and three lotus blossoms located between every two. The epitaph of the stele commemorates the life and achievement of State Preceptor Jigwang as a Buddhist leader. The text was composed by Jeong Yu-san (?-1091) and calligraphed by An Min-hu based on the style developed by great Chinese calligrapher Ouyang Xu (d. 618).