Seated Shakyamuni Buddha, Research Paper Example

Between 660-668, two kingdoms were taken under the allied armies of the Silla kingdom. The new emperor began creating a new political and cultural era he referred to as the Unified Silla Period, which became known as the Golden Age of ancient Korea. Sculptors formed during this period had imposing body masses-like the seated. The sculptors began to take on a natural or humanistic look.

These sculptors are used in varies rituals and religious ceremonies. The sculptors of Buddha are considered sacred and each person entering the holy dwellings must bow to Buddha. The teachings of Buddha did not replace the other religions in Korea; they simply integrated with previous teachings. The people saw a need for the various deities that were a part of Buddhist teachings.

Sakyamuni Buddha has a serene peaceful face. The artist uses several circular shapes that represent completeness. The background large circular design behind the sculptor’s head brings the viewers’ attention to the face of the sculptor. Next, the sculptor uses many elongated patterns of lines that draw the viewer’s attention onto the body of the sculptor. First, a vertical line separates the head from the rest of the body. One hand is positioned in a way that one would have if he/she were receiving something, while the other is lying in a rested position on the sculptor’s knee. The outline of a draped cloth covers some of the sculptor, but much of the body is showing because the heart of Buddha teaching is that one should be free from greed and open minded to wisdom. In other words, one should not be preoccupied with material things.The sculptor is not of a beautiful physique because Buddhist believes that inner beauty and knowledge is more important than selfishness.