Research Article
The Stylistic Characteristics and Construction Date of the Five-Story Stone Pagoda at Bowonsa Temple Site
불교중앙박물관
Published: September 2020 · No. 307 · pp. 35-66
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31065/kjah.307.202009.002
Full Text
Abstract
Many stone monuments at the site of Bowonsa T emple, testify to the prominence of the establishment, renowned as one of the T en T emples of Hwaeom (Ch. Avatamsaka) and also as a temple of ordination platform by late Unified Silla at the latest. The Bowonsa T emple Stone Pagoda, T reasure No. 104, is a representative example. Many scholars have proposed that the pagoda was built by National Preceptor T anmun (900-975). The arguments which categorized the pagoda to the traditional style of Baekje pagoda also supports the proposal that dating the pagoda to after 10th century. However, as some suggest that the relief on the stylobate was sculpted by no later than the 9th century, the production date for the pagoda has not been agreed upon. This thesis reviews previous arguments and analyzes the stylistic characteristics to propose a possible timeline and examines backgrounds around the temple at the time. The pagoda is based on the style of Silla, popular until the 9th century, but the roof stone shows the early stages of changes to come in the next century, providing grounds to propose the late 9th century for its production. The sarira reliquaries found inside the pagoda also display techniques and characteristics of the 9th century at the latest. Examinations of historical records reveal that Bowonsa T emple was in its zenith during the 9th century and powerful enough to carry out a work of such monumentality. However, records of the life of T anmun show that it is difficult to connect the pagoda to T anmun. Conclusively, this paper has recognized the value of the Bowonsa T emple Stone Pagoda as representing the eminence of the temple in the late 9th century. Moreover, it is a valuable document in studying the stylistic changes and dating of Silla and Goryeo stone pagodas.
