|
Sinse-dong Seven-Tier Pagoda (7th-10th century AD)
other sites in Andong
|
Andong, Korea |
Click on the images for
larger views
This seven-tier pagoda on the outskirts of Andong is the largest brick pagoda in Korea. Built in the Unified Silla period (668-935) when Tang Chinese styles were at court, it closely mimics Chinese models such as the Little Goose Pagoda in Xian . Its base is decorated with bas-reliefs of the Eight Guardians of Buddhism, and is guarded at the four corners by four snarling Deva Kings. The body of the pagoda is made of dark gray brick built in a 28 by 14 by 6 cm module, stacked to a high of about 17 meters on a 7.75 square meter foundation. It is believed that a gilt bronze ornamental roof once crowned the top.
Now sitting next a busy highway, the pagoda once rested quietly in Beopheungsa temple, which has now vanished. The Yi clan built a major home near the ruins in 1704.
Bibliography:
All images
copyright 1998-2001 Abe Ahn and Tim Ciccone