Sammaksa Rock-carved Three Buddha Statues

This is a late Joseon-era rock-carved Buddha enshrined inside the Chilseonggak of Sammaksa Temple. It is a triad carved in relief on a massive rock wall, all seated on lotus pedestals. The central main Buddha is depicted larger, while the bodhisattvas on either side are depicted somewhat smaller. The main Buddha has a small pointed ushnisha on the top of the shaven head, and a beaded hair ornament (gyeju) is depicted at the center of the head. The square face features swollen eyelids, a short triangular nose, and a small mouth, and the Buddha has a gentle impression with a faint smile. A thick robe is draped over both shoulders and covers down to the knees past both arms. The folds of the clothing are generally rendered simply and schematically.
The two hands folded in front hold a round cintamani jewel. The bodhisattva statues on both sides wear crowns depicting the sun and moon and hold their hands together in anjali mudra at the chest. Judging from the crowns, they are presumed to be Bhaiṣajyaguru's attendants Suryaprabha and Candraprabha. The way the robes are worn and the folds formed by the hanging hems are similar to the main Buddha. Since the main Buddha sits between Suryaprabha and Candraprabha holding a cintamani jewel, it may possibly be Tejaprabha Buddha, which was popular in the late Joseon period. An inscription engraved at the bottom of the statue reveals the exact date of creation, 1763 (the 39th year of King Yeongjo). Overall, with its round and soft facial features and thick robes over a body with reduced volume, it is an important work that shows the characteristics of late 18th-century rock-carved Buddhas. It is also a valuable example of a Tejaprabha rock-carved Buddha and important material for the study of late Joseon art history.

(Source: Korea Heritage Service)

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