Yeonhwasa Temple: Stele

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Sejong; Unified Silla dynasty

The rectangular stele is carved on all four sides and is supported on a base carved with two rows of lotus petals. It was listed as Treasure No. 649 in 1978.
The front side shows five figures, with an enthroned Buddha seated cross-legged at the center, and Arhats and Bodhisattvas standing on both sides. There is a pond below where lotuses bloom.
The reverse side has three figures; the central figure sits in the contemplative posture with the head outlined by a lotus petal nimbus. Flanking the figure are two kneeling Bodhisattvas with hand-held incense burners. A rippling lotus pond is located beneath the group.
The remaining two sides both have a seated Buddha at the top and a railing with swastika patterns below. Between these are four lines of inscriptions that dates the tablet to 678 and explains that it was an offering to Amitabha Buddha.