Nangsan Rock Carvings
Nangsan Rock Carvings
SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju
Official records suggest that this is the site where King Munmu (reigned 661–680) was cremated. The triad at the base of a curving rock is composed of a Bodhisattva and two attendants. Though the rock is now fissured, the main sculpture seems to be a seated Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, measuring 90 cm in height, wearing a stole, and flanked by armored attendants. The attendant on the right holds a sword in one hand, while the left attendant holds another weapon. They may represent Dharma protectors. It is inferred that the carving, dating back to the Unified Silla dynasty (668–935), was made for the religious benefit of the deceased king. It was listed as Treasure No. 665 in 1980.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves Mo-S, page 1260.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves Mo-S},
pages = 1260,
title = {{Nangsan Rock Carvings}},
volume = 8,
year = {2016}}