디시인사이드

While there are no records indicating the exact date of construction of the [Imsil Jingusa-ji Seokjo Birojana-bul Jwasang], it is estimated to have been created in the late 9th century, during the late Unified Silla period, based on the form of the statue, the composition of the pedestal, and a comparison with the styles of the surrounding stone lanterns.

The halo is missing, and a portion below the left wrist is missing, but the body and pedestal remain nearly intact, demonstrating excellent preservation. The overall stable proportions, refined body expression, and refined sculptural techniques of the drapery exemplify the high level of perfection of Buddhist sculpture in the late Unified Silla period.

Compared to other 9th-century stone Vairocana Buddha statues currently designated as National Treasures, the statue is considered comparable in terms of sculptural quality.

This statue holds significant academic value as a rare 9th-century stone Vairocana Buddha statue found in the Jeolla region.

It is also considered a valuable physical artifact that demonstrates the process of centralized Buddhist art styles spreading to the provinces and the regional diffusion of late Unified Silla Buddhist sculpture styles.

This designation as a National Treasure provides a detailed account of the process of centralized Buddhist art styles spreading to the provinces and the regional spread of late Unified Silla Buddhist sculpture styles. The designated items will be given a 30-day notice period to gather feedback from various sectors, and the Cultural Heritage Committee will then review them before making a final decision on whether to designate them.

The National Heritage Administration has announced a total of four treasures for designation this time:

These include the "Park Ji-won Jeolha Diary, First Draft," a draft of Park Ji-won's travelogue to the Qing Dynasty; the "Amitabha Buddha Sermon Painting from Hyeondeungsa Temple in Gapyeong; the "Stone Seated Sakyamuni Triad and Relics from Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan;" and the "Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha from Jingu Temple Site in Imsil."

The Jingu Temple Site Stone Lantern is

a stone lantern from the Unified Silla period. It is an octagonal stone lantern with windows on all eight sides. With a total height of 5.18 meters, it is one of the largest stone lanterns in Korea and is Treasure No. 267.

According to ancient legends,

This stone lantern was lit and burned day and night for approximately 550 years, with exaggerated tales claiming its light illuminated the capital.

The capital at that time, I think, is somewhat reminiscent of Gyeongju.