Namsan Sinseonam Hermitage: Seated Bodhisattva
Stone
Namsan Sinseonam Hermitage: Seated Bodhisattva
Namsan Sinseonam Hermitage: Seated Bodhisattva
SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju; Silla dynasty
This Bodhisattva is situated within the site of Sinseonam Hermitage on a ridge of Namsan (South Mountain), and is sculpted into an overhanging rock within a shallow, 2.3 m high niche that serves as a mandorla. The sculpture was listed as Treasure No. 199 in 1963.
The Bodhisattva’s hair and the straps of his crown frame a serene and compassionate face. The figure is depicted sitting in a relaxation posture with the leg overhanging the throne supported by a lotus. The right hand holds lotuses, while the left is raised with the thumb and the index finger touching. Layers of pleats overhang the throne, which is borne upon a cloud. An intersecting circular nimbus and aureole can be found behind the Bodhisattva. The skillful mid-relief carving suggests a date in the late 8th century.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves Mo-S, page 1256.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves Mo-S},
pages = 1256,
title = {{Namsan Sinseonam Hermitage: Seated Bodhisattva}},
volume = 8,
year = {2016}}