Seoakdong: Buddha Triad

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju; Unified Silla dynasty (668–935)

These rock carvings are located on the summit of Mount Seondo near the tomb of King Muyeol (reigned 654–660) of the Silla dynasty. The Buddha carved from the cliff face is seriously damaged, but the right hand raised in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra and some details of the monastic robe can be discerned. The slender Bodhisattvas that have been carved on either side are slightly better preserved. The 4.55 m high attendant Bodhisattva on the left wears a three-leaf crown and, since the figure is holding a vase, may be identified as Avalokitesvara. The 4.62 m high Bodhisattva on the right is believed to be Mahasthamaprapta, the other attendant of Amitabha Buddha. Both stand on inverted lotus pedestals, the sides of which rise to knee level. The triad was listed as Treasure No. 62 in 1963.