- Designation: National Treasure No. 39
- Period: Early Unified Silla Period
- Location: 676, Rawon-ri, Hyeongok-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
It is the Five-story Stone Pagoda in Nawon-ri, Gyeongju. It is a huge stone pagoda with a height of 9 m. The five-story stone pagoda is not common in Gyeongju. The base is not high, but it supports the five-story pagoda body steadily. The body of the first story is made of four stones. It serves as a base for supporting the pagoda. The bodies of the other stories are made of single stone. The original shape has not been greatly damaged, and it remains white despite one millennium.
It is supposed to have been built in 8th century similar to the three-storied pagoda of Bulguksa Temple. It shows the excellent sculpture technique of the Unified Silla Stone Pagoda. Without ornamentality, it is simple and modest, and the detailed sculpture technique is also excellent. When the pagoda was dismantled for repairs, a gold Buddha and gilt-bronze miniature pagodas were found.
Five-story Stone Pagoda in Nawon-ri, Gyeongju. Five-story pagoda body stands on the two-story base. It is supposed to have been built in 8th century when the skill level was at its peak.
The base is not high, but it supports the five-story pagoda body steadily. The pillars were carved on the corners and the outer surface of the base.
The body of the first story is made of four stones. It serves as a base for supporting the pagoda.
The four corners of the roof stone are sharp and their ends are slightly raised.
View from the south.
View from the east,
View from the north.
The fields beyond Hyeongsan River overlooking here.
This 9 m-tall pagoda has five stories on a two-tiered foundation. Five pillars ar carved on each side of the lower pedestal and four pillars on each side of the upper pedestal. The body of the first story is made of four stones, whereas the bodies of the other stories are made of a single stone. The cornice and roof stone of the first and second stories are made of separate stones whereas those of other stories are made of one stone. Judging from its structural characteristic, it is believed to have been built in the 8th century. When the pagoda was dismantled for repairs, a 4 cm-tall gold Buddha and a gilt-bronze miniature pagoda in a perfect condition were found. It is also called the “Nawonbaecktap”, meaning a pagoda wearing no moss. (Cultural Heritage Administration, 2012)
Gilt-bronze Reliquary Casket. The four Devas, the four heavenly guardians of Buddhism, are depicted.
The lid of gilt-bronze reliquary casket
Gilt-bronze Buddha.
Gilt-bronze miniatures of Nine-story pagodas
Gilt-bronze miniatures of Three-story pagodas.
Sarira.
References.
- Cultural Heritage Administration, 2017