울산 영축사지 동서삼층석탑에 대한 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the East-West Three-Story Stone Pagoda in Yeoungchuksaji Temple Site, Ulsan, which includes identification of the amount and structure of its framework members as well as the unique features, general analysis of stylobate frame structure, structural principle and of the location and shape of sarigong to find out the timing of the construction of the stone pagoda and its implications in art history. First, a general investigation of the way the foundation of top and bottom floors was built, location of the sarigong on the altar of the first body, and the structural principle of the stone pagoda has found that the stone pagoda is estimated to be erected in the late 8th century or early 9th century, which is different from the period of erection (683) recorded in the 『三國遺事』, or the Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms. The Yeoungchuksaji Temple Site has the remains of a turtle base and stone Buddhist statue, which are also estimated to be built in the late 8th century or early 9th century, matching the period of the erecting the stone pagoda. This suggests a hint that the Yeongchuksa Temple was rebuilt in the late 8th century. Second, an analysis of the structural principle of the East-West Three-Story stone pagoda in the Yeoungchuksaji Temple Site has found that the same principle as that of the stone pagoda at the Igeosaji temple site was used and that it is quite similar to that of the stone pagoda at the Mitansaji Temple Site. Gyeongju in the late 8th century had a structural principle that served as a basis for building the Wonwonsaji stone pagoda and Yongmyeongri stone pagoda and had another structural principle used to erect the Mujangsaji stone pagoda and the Namsanri stone pagoda. Nevertheless, the fact that the East-West Three-Story stone at the Yeoungchuksaji Temple Site was erected based on the structural principle of the Igeosaji stone pagoda in Gyeongju suggests the presence of a close relationship with a group of artisans who built the Igeosa temple or the Igeosa stone pagoda at the time. In particular, since the Igeosaji stone pagoda and the Mitansaji stone pagoda in Gyeongju were built in reference to the Seokgatap stone pagoda at Bulguksa temple, it is considered to give an insight into the status of the stone pagoda at Yeoungchuksaji Temple Site and further the Yeongchuksa Temple as well. Lastly, the study has analogized one of the features shown on the surface of the East-West Three-Story stone pagoda remains at the Yeoungchuksaji Temple Site, that is, what’s behind the rounded arched shape on the angular corners of the base and middle columns. Although some recent studies mentioned its relevance to Baekje with this phenomenon understood as one of the stylistic features but it is found to be some sort of deformation as a result of deliberate and consistent fire burning on the remains of the pagoda upon its collapse.