Excavation Achievements at Hoheomsa Temple Site Highlighted at Academic Conference

Analysis of Bodhisattva Regalia and Clay Statues

An event will be held to explore the results of the excavation at the Hoheomsa Temple Site in Yangju through an integrated perspective combining archaeology, art history, and advanced science.

View of Hoam Temple Site in Yangju / Photo by National Heritage Administration.

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage will hold a joint academic conference under the theme "Hoheomsa: Viewed Through the Lens of Archaeology, Art, and Science" on the 18th at the auditorium of the Hoheomsa Temple Site Museum in Yangju. The institute will release to the public a detailed analysis of the jewelry ornaments (bodhisattva regalia), clay statues (terracotta Buddhist statues), and stone structural remains, which were excavated over 15 rounds since 1998.

The first session will investigate the materials and metalworking techniques of the bodhisattva regalia. The session will reveal scientific production methods such as repoussé, soldering, inlay, and gilding, and identify stylistic characteristics by comparing them with traditional Buddhist statues and paintings.

The second session will analyze the firing temperatures and pigments of the clay statues, shedding light on their creation and destruction processes. Based on the results of material and pigment analyses, the session will explain the production techniques of the clay statues, and trace back to reconstruct their appearance at the time of enshrinement by mapping the process from creation to destruction.

The final session will examine the origins of the stones used in the structural remains and changes in the layout of the temple compound. The session will share research results on the material properties and probable origins of the stone remains, and assess the scope of reconstruction based on the patterns of stone construction.

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