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What sculptures are found inside the Seokguram cave temple?
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Korean architecture
Five-story stone pagoda of Jeongrimsa Temple, first half of the 7th century, Baekje period; in Buyeo, South Korea. Height 8.33 meters (27.3 feet).
The Seokguram cave temple, a masterpiece of Buddhist art from the 8th-century Unified Silla period, contains a variety of significant stone sculptures arranged to represent a microcosm of the Buddha-world.12
Inside the temple, the sculptures include:
- Main Chamber: A large, seated statue of the Buddha (identified as Shakyamuni or Amitabha) occupies the center on an elevated lotus pedestal. Carved from a single block of granite, it stands approximately 11 feet (3.5 meters) high.12
- Wall Reliefs: The surrounding walls feature 15 slabs in relief depicting 5 bodhisattvas and 10 disciples.2
- Niches: Above the relief panels, there are 10 niches, 8 of which contain seated images of a bodhisattva and the Indian sage Vimalakirti.2
- Anteroom: The square antechamber houses eight classes of divine guardians (p’albujung), two diamond volt bearers, and the four guardians of the cardinal points.2
These works are celebrated for their naturalistic style and spiritual grace, representing one of the finest achievements of Buddhist art in East Asia.123