
Stone
This 7th century rock carving is one of many Buddhist images on Namsan (South Mountain). The Buddha is carved in relief from granite and seated within a niche. During the Silla dynasty (57 BCE–935 CE), numerous Buddhist images in Gyeongju were carved in granite and modeled after this rock carving. The seated Buddha was listed as Treasure No. 198 in 1963.
Rectangles formed at the center by the hands hidden in the sleeves contrast with the work’s generally rounded contours. Though the folds of the monastic robe are simply executed, the curl of the overhanging cloth beneath is more carefully worked.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves Mo-S, page 1254.