전라도지역 조선후기 목조불상의 수종

Species of Wooden Buddhist Statues of the Late Joseon Dynasty in Jeollado, South Korea

The objective of this study is to identify the species of 17 wooden Buddhist statues of the late Joseon Dynasty (the 17th and 18th century) in Jeollado, southwestern region of Korea. The bodies of statues were made of Ginkgo (Gingko biloba L.: 88%) and alder (Alnus spp.: 12%). The hands of statues were alder(64%), willow (Salix spp.: 27%) and Ginkgo(9%). The bottoms of hollow bodies were covered all with Japanese red-pine (Pinus densiflora S. et Z., sonamu ) panels. The main species of statue body, Ginkgo tree was known to be introduced to Korea from China with Buddhism. The results indicated that Ginkgo trees of Korea in the 17th century had already become large and rich enough to be used for most of statues. Ginkgo wood has low shrinkage and even texture, which are crucial for carving sculptures. Alder and willow woods used for statue hands have fine and firm textures. The pedestals for these statues were also made of red pine wood. Red pine woods have rather high shrinkage and low hardness, but it is versatile woods strong enough to support heavy statues.