Gaseobam Hermitage: Buddha Triad

SOUTH KOREA, South Gyeongsang, Geochang; Goryeo dynasty

These bas-relief figures are uniquely sculpted on the cliff face of a natural cave. A cartouche containing an inscription of 21 lines with 26 characters in each is located on the far right. It states the year of dedication as 1111. The triad was listed as Treasure No. 530 in 1971.
The central figure, assumed to be Amitabha Buddha, raises both hands and forms the middle grade of the highest class mudra. He stands with feet pointing in opposing directions on a five-petaled lotus pedestal. A petal-shaped nimbus surrounds the head. The Buddha wears an inner robe with folds falling to shin level, and a longer outer monastic robe that covers both shoulders. The attendant Bodhisattvas are contained in ovals on either side. They wear headdresses backed by a circular nimbus, and are richly adorned. Avalokitesvara on the left opens one hand in the varada (wish-granting) mudra and carries a vase in the other. Mahasthamprata, to the right, raises the right hand while the left seems to grasp a fluttering stole.