17th Century "Buddhist Avengers": Yangsan Sinheungsa Stone Shakyamuni Buddha Triad and Relics Preliminarily Designated as National Treasure

Recognized as a National Treasure for Its Value
Alongside 17 Relics Enshrined Within the Statue

The stone Buddha statue that has silently traversed the ages is now preparing to earn the title of "Treasure."

The city of Yangsan in South Gyeongsang Province announced that the "Seated Stone Shakyamuni Buddha Triad and Relics at Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan," currently designated as a tangible cultural asset of South Gyeongsang Province, has been preliminarily designated as a National Treasure as of December 31, 2025.

The "Seated Stone Shakyamuni Buddha Triad and Relics at Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan," which has been announced for this designation, was completed in 1682 by the leading sculptor monk Seungho, along with Suyeon, Bojang, Inwon, Cheohaeng, and Beopjong-some of the most prominent sculptor monks of the time.

Seokga Yeorae Seated Statue at Sinheungsa Temple, Yangsan.

In particular, this Buddha statue is notable for being made from "bulseok" (a type of silicate), which was widely used in the Gyeongsang region during the late 17th century. Seungho was renowned for his exceptional skill in working with bulseok, and this triad is considered the earliest example among the bulseok Buddha statues he created for the Daegwangjeon Hall at Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan, giving it significant art historical value.

The triad takes the form of the "Yeongsanhoe Triad," with the principal Seated Shakyamuni Buddha at the center and attendant Bodhisattvas on either side. This arrangement has been clearly confirmed through the inscription found in the creation vow document discovered in the right attendant Bodhisattva statue.

Seated Bodhisattva Statue of Jwahyeopsi at Sinheungsa Temple, Yangsan.

Seated Bodhisattva Statue at Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan.

The relics (17 items in 6 categories) that have also been preliminarily designated as treasures are key materials supporting the historical value of the Buddha statues. In particular, the creation vow document from 1682 clearly records the date of production, the creators, and the enshrinement site. The relics also include precious scriptures from the late Goryeo to early Joseon periods, such as the "Prajnaparamita Sutra" produced in 1387 (13th year of King U of Goryeo), the "Bulseol Amitagyeong" (1466), and the "Myobeop Yeonhwagyeong" (1561).

Additionally, items such as the Huryongtong, Hwangchopokja, and Obopyeong, which exemplify the original form of late 17th-century enshrinement rituals, are included as a set, enhancing the historical completeness of the collection.

This preliminary designation as a National Treasure will be subject to a notice period of at least 30 days from the date of the official gazette announcement. During this period, the city of Yangsan will closely cooperate with the National Heritage Administration to gather opinions from various sectors, after which the final designation will be confirmed through a review by the Cultural Heritage Committee.

An official from Yangsan City stated, "It is deeply meaningful that this precious cultural heritage, which has remained in its original enshrinement site at the Daegwangjeon Hall of Sinheungsa Temple for over 340 years, is now being recognized for its value. We will ensure that all administrative procedures for its elevation to Treasure status are completed without issue, and we will continue to do our utmost for the systematic preservation, management, and utilization of cultural heritage within our jurisdiction."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.