Janggoksa Temple Upper Great Hero Hall: Medicine Buddha

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Cheongyang; Silla to Goryeo dynasty

It was discovered during restoration in 1989 that the left knee of the statue had previously been repaired. The extended left hand, arguably supporting a medicine jar, was put away for safe keeping during the restoration and never replaced. The third and fourth fingers of the right hand are broken, exposing the metal wires connecting the damaged right wrist to the arm. The original mandorla was probably made of stone and replaced by the current wooden structure during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). The fiery surround encloses a floral nimbus and aureole made to imitate the 10th century transitional style. The statue was listed as National Treasure No. 58 in 1962.
The actual statue measures 91 cm and is small in comparison with the throne. Squared steps at the base terminate in a lotus decorated with leaf patterns at its four corners. More steps lead to a pillar which is carved with two oval insets on each of its square faces and has a floral overhang.