국립중앙박물관 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Highlights
Iron Vairocana Buddha
  • Exhibition Name

    Vairocana

  • Nationality/Period

    Goryeo Dynasty

  • Materials

    Metal - Iron

  • Category

    religion - Buddhism - adoration - image of Buddha

  • Dimensions

    H. 112.1cm

  • Accession Number

    Deoksu 2653

  • Location

    Buddhist Sculpture Gallery

Vairocana Buddha is the embodiment and visualization of beop (法), translated as the truth and ideal of Buddhism. This Vairocana Buddha statue displays the jigwonin mudra (智拳印) in which the left index finger is gripped in the right hand near the chest. In terms of the bodily proportions, this example resembles the Buddhist statues of the Unified Silla period but its accentuated facial features reflect the style of the Goryeo Dynasty. The drapery is quite simple and is expressed as a series of ascendant layers, almost like steps. The folds in the cloth underneath the crossed legs are highly formalized, like a fan. Iron Buddha statues were produced beginning in the late Unified Silla period and were popular during the Goryeo Dynasty. Horizontal and vertical mold lines can still be seen on the statue, particularly across the chest.