Amitabha Buddha of Bulguk Temple

This 16.6-meter statue of Buddha is enshrined in
Geungnakjeon Hall at the Bulguk Temple. It is believed to date from the late 8th century or early 9th century.

The head of the image is made of two top shells fixed to each other and the face has a benign look with semicircular eyelashes and a shapely nose.

The broad shoulders, imposing chest and pleasing overall shape display strength, while a wide-open lap makes it balanced and stable.

The robe, thrown over the left shoulder with the right shoulder exposed, is roughly folded, especially the fold coming out of the collar.

A somewhat narrow left hand raised to the shoulder shows the palm, while the right hand, with the index finger and middle finger bent a little, is on placed on the lap.

In the flatness of shoulders, arms, the simple robe and hands, we can see a more abstract style than the typical Buddha statue of the time period.

Name: Seated gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha of Bulguk Temple

Period: Silla Period

Location: Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang

Status: National Treasure No. 27