Beopcheonsa Temple Jigwang Stupa

SOUTH KOREA, Seoul

Jigwang refers to Master Jigwang. It was originally located at Beopcheonsa (Dharma Fountain Temple). On the basis of an inscription next to its original site at Beopcheonsa Temple, it is known that this funerary stupa was built in 1085 during the Goryeo dynasty. At one time the stupa was taken to Japan and on its return it went to Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was relocated to the National Museum of Korea in 2005. The stupa was listed as National Treasure No. 101 in 1962.
The stupa is 6.1 m high and consists of a number of different levels all covered with various carvings. At the four corners of the base platform there are projections in the shape of dragons’ claws. On the next level there are wavy scroll patterns. The next three levels represent a Sumeru throne. The base of the stupa and its body are covered in reliefs of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, stupas, clouds, lotuses, flora, fauna, and phoenixes. Under the eaves of the base there are elegant carvings of drapery. The octagonal pyramidal roof rests on a square platform and is decorated with tympana and antefixes at the edges. The spire is richly decorated with delicate carvings of an upright lotus, inverted bowl, canopy, and jewel.