Haeinsa Beopbojeon and Daejeokgwangjeon Wooden Vairocana Buddha Statues Designated as National Treasures

'Batch of Pictorial Pottery Excavated from Haman Maliyasan Tomb No. 45' Designated as Treasure

The ‘Seated Wooden Vairocana Buddha Statue and Associated Relics in Beopbojeon’ and the ‘Seated Wooden Vairocana Buddha Statue and Associated Relics in Daejeokgwangjeon’ at Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon have been elevated to National Treasure status. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 26th that, following a review by the Cultural Heritage Committee, these two cultural assets were designated as National Treasures. The associated relics refer to items placed inside the body of the Buddha statue upon completion, such as a reliquary tube, jewels, textiles, grains, and Buddhist scriptures.

The Buddha statues in Beopbojeon and Daejeokgwangjeon are the oldest existing wooden Buddha statues. They are estimated to have been created in the late 9th century during the Unified Silla period. The statues depict Vairocana Buddha (Birojana-bul). They are seated cross-legged, performing the dharmachakra mudra (gesture of teaching) by wrapping the right hand around the left index finger. The craftsmanship is remarkable. The hand gestures (mudras) that signify the Buddha or bodhisattva’s identity, the attire exposing one shoulder, the round face, dignified physique, and the natural folds of the robes are sculpted with precision comparable to the statues at Seokguram Grotto.

The value of the associated relics is equally significant. They include books, ancient documents, and various textiles added during restoration in the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods. Haeinsa Temple was reconstructed in 1489?1490 by the eminent monk Hakjo Daesa, who was supported by the Joseon royal family. The reliquary tube (huryongtong), which contained jewels, grains, and textiles, deposited at that time, demonstrates that the types of relics and the enshrinement procedures were already established before the 16th-century publication of the Josang-gyeong. The Josang-gyeong is a ritual manual detailing the types, colors, directions, locations, and ceremonies related to Buddhist relic enshrinement.

These two cultural assets were recognized for their artistic and historical value and designated as Treasures in 2012. The Cultural Heritage Administration considered the statues’ ideal beauty and the Buddhist historical significance of the associated relics and deemed them worthy of elevation to National Treasure status. Kim Eun-young, a researcher at the Cultural Heritage Conservation Bureau, explained, "The statues in Beopbojeon and Daejeokgwangjeon remain important objects of worship at Haeinsa Temple today," adding, "They hold considerable significance as representatives of Haeinsa’s Huayan (Hwaeom) Buddhist thought." Regarding the associated relics, she noted, "It is important to pay attention to the restoration history of the statues, their Buddhist historical characteristics, and the connection between Haeinsa Temple and the Joseon royal family."

Meanwhile, on the same day, the Cultural Heritage Administration designated seven items as Treasures, including the ‘Batch of Incised Pottery Excavated from Tomb No. 45 at Mari Mountain in Haman,’ ‘Yeongsan Assembly Painting at Sinheungsa Temple in Sokcho,’ ‘Volumes 1?5 of the Sanggyojeongbon Jabidoryangchambeop,’ ‘Volumes 4?6 of the Sanggyojeongbon Jabidoryangchambeop,’ ‘Volumes 4?7 of the Sanggyojeongbon Jabidoryangchambeop,’ ‘Volume 6 of the Sanggyojeongbon Jabidoryangchambeop,’ and ‘Volumes 3?4 of the Beophwahyeonron.’