A stone Buddha statue from the early Koryo period was recently excavated in Yakjon-ri, Sukchon County, South Pyongan Province, and has been registered as a preserved cultural relic.
Officials and researchers from the Archaeology Institute of the Academy of Social Sciences and the National Authority for the Protection of Cultural Heritage discovered the statue during their ongoing investigation and excavation work of historical sites.
The stone statue, depicting Amitabha Buddha from Buddhist tradition, measures 171 cm in height and 26–54 cm in thickness.
The statue shows the Buddha seated in the kekka-fuza posture (a traditional meditative pose in Buddhism where the right foot is placed on the left thigh and the left foot beneath the right thigh). The Buddha’s head is large and round, with a flat top.
The lips below the long nose are thick and prominent, while the ears droop down nearly to the neck. The eyes are gently closed, giving the overall expression a solemn and dignified feel.
Through analysis of the hand gesture and other sculptural features, scholars confirmed it as an image of Amitabha Buddha. By examining roof tile fragments found nearby, they determined that the statue dates back to the early 10th century, during the early Koryo period.
Finely crafted with delicate and elaborate workmanship, the stone Buddha stands as another valuable heritage piece, showcasing the outstanding talent and wisdom of our ancestors. It is expected to greatly contribute to the study of Koryo-era history and culture.
