Silsangsa Temple Stone Lantern

SOUTH KOREA, North Jeolla, Namwon

This lantern is located in front of the Universal Light Hall and is believed to have been built in the late 9th century, during the Unified Silla dynasty. It was listed as Treasure No. 35 in 1963.
The 5 m high lantern has a pedestal in two layers. The octagonal base is surmounted by an inverted lotus with upturned edges. The upper layer consists of a pillar with two identical Sumeru sections, each sculpted with sixteen-petal upright and inverted lotuses at the top and bottom. The base of the body is carved with an upright eight-petal lotus. There is an opening on each face of the octagonal body. The octagonal pyramidal roof is in the shape of a large inverted lotus, decorated with a small carving at the end of each petal. Above the large roof and separated by a cylindrical section there is a smaller pyramidal roof, which mirrors the larger one. The finial consists of a jewel in the form of a flame. In front of the lantern there is a set of stone steps which allows for easier access when lighting the lantern. The carved decorations on the lotuses and eaves are characteristic of the 9th century.