Samaksa Rock-Carved Triad Buddha

This is a rock-carved Buddha from the late Joseon period, enshrined in the Chilseonggak Hall of Samaksa Temple. It is a triad Buddha carved in relief on a huge rock face, all seated on lotus pedestals. The central principal Buddha is depicted large, while the flanking bodhisattvas are slightly smaller. The principal Buddha has a shaven head with a small, pointed ushnisha on top and a cranial protuberance (gyeju) in the center of the head. The square face features swollen eyelids, a short triangular nose, and a small mouth, with a faint smile giving a gentle impression. Thick monastic robes (beopui) cover both shoulders and drape over the arms down to the knees. The robe folds are generally simple and stylized. The hands are clasped in front of the abdomen holding a round jewel (boju). The flanking bodhisattvas wear crowns adorned with sun and moon motifs and hold their hands together in prayer (hapjang) at the chest. Based on the crown design, they are presumed to be the Sunlight Bodhisattva (Ilgwang Bosal) and Moonlight Bodhisattva (Wolgwang Bosal). The style of wearing the monastic robes and the drapery folds are similar to those of the principal Buddha. Since the principal Buddha sits between the Sunlight and Moonlight Bodhisattvas holding a jewel, it may be Tejaprabha Buddha (Chiseonggwang Yeorae), which was popular in the late Joseon period. An inscription at the bottom of the statue indicates the exact creation year of 1763 (the 39th year of King Yeongjo's reign). This is an important work that reveals the characteristics of late 18th-century rock-carved Buddhas, such as the overall round and gentle facial features, thick monastic robes, and reduced volume in the body. It is also a valuable example of a Tejaprabha Buddha rock carving and an important resource for studying late Joseon art history.

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