The history of Korean Buddhist sculpture can be traced back to a long time. Korean Buddhist sculpture is one of the major areas of Korean art. Buddhism, a religion originating in what is now India, was transmitted to Korea via China in the late fourth century. Korean Buddhist sculpture exhibited prominent Korean facial characteristics, were made with different casting and carving techniques, and employed only some of the motifs that were developed earlier in Buddhist art. Also, Korean artisans blended and combined diverse styles from different regions with their own tastes to form a native art tradition.
Apart from portraying the authentic Korean culture the Korean Buddhist Sculpture also depicts the innumerable influences of various other cultures. Some of the most exclusive sculptures of the country include, Yon'ga Buddha at Goguryeo, Baekje sculpture, Sila Buddha sculpture, which are the division of sculpture groups according to the kingdoms of Japan.
One of the oldest surviving Korean Buddhas discovered so far is the Yon'ga (Revised Romanization: Yeon-ga) Buddha. The Buddha, the only one of a thousand commissioned that has survived, gets its name from the inscription on its back that mentions a previously unknown Goguryeo reign period.
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While it was discovered in Uiryong in Gyeongsangnam-do, former Silla territory, the inscription clearly states the statue was cast in Nangnang (present-day Pyongyang), Goguryeo. The statue is valuable because it has a clear date of manufacture, 539, and its provenance. Additionally, it proves that images from Goguryeo were sent to Silla.Overlooking the East Sea far ahead beyond the mountain ridges from the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Seokguram stands as a proud testimony to Korea's brilliant tradition of classical Buddhist sculpture. To view fine specimens of Korean Buddhist Sculpture, one can visit the stone image of a Buddha, near Gyeongju, the image of Shakyamuni Buddha at a Seokguram Temple along with the Amitabha and Eight Great Bodhisattvas. |
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The 80,000 woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana and the Mireuksa Temple also throw light on the rich history of Korean Buddhist sculpture. The tourist will have the privilege of seeing some abstract as well as modern forms of Buddha in the places like, National Museum of Korea, National Treasure no. 78 and 83. The fine blend of Korean and Chinese art is evident in some of the Korean Buddhist Sculpture. You can also venture out on visiting the Hwangnyongsa Temple which is an abode of numerous Buddhist sculptures.
Gain valuable insight into Korean Buddhist sculpture and Buddhist sculptures on the whole at buddhistsculptures.com.
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