Yongjangsa Temple: Seated Buddha

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju; Unified Silla dynasty

Discovered at the site of Yongjangsa Temple, this headless statue sits cross-legged on a round lotus that rests on a tiered structure resembling a stone pagoda. According to the records, the statue is very likely Maitreya and may have been constructed during the reign of King Gyeongdeok (reigned 742–764) of the Silla dynasty. After collapsing in 1923, it was restored but was more seriously damaged by another collapse in 1932. It was listed as Treasure No. 187 in 1963.
The Buddha and the cloth-covered bench on which the figure is seated were carved from a single piece of rock. The monastic robe that covers both shoulders is carved in simple detail, in contrast to the intricate overhang on all sides of the throne. On the rock face to the left is a relief of a Buddha sitting in full lotus position. The statue exhibits stylistic elements similar to those from the Seokguram Grotto, which dates it to around the mid-8th century.