Stone Basin of Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju

A Seokjo (literally "stone basin") is a rectangular or round basin made of stone. It appears that stone basins had been used since the Three Kingdoms Period, based on examples such as Stone Basins Treasures originally were at Daetongsa Temple site (built in the early 6th century during the Baekje Dynasty). The use of stone basins varied. In the case of Daetongsa Temple, the two basins were most likely used to plant lotus flowers. This assumption is based on the finding that the basins are symmetrically located in front of the auditorium. In most cases, stone basins were used to collect clear water for tea or religious offerings at palaces or temples, and they were constructed in various sizes and finishes. Designated as a Treasure in 2007, the Stone Basin of Bulguksa Temple is rectangular in shape, which was common of basins from the Unified Silla Period (676-935). The four corners and the centers of the longer sides of the stone basin are rounded in floral shapes, and the entire interior and exterior are embellished with reliefs. Inside, the bottom and sides are engraved with lotus flowers in full bloom; outside, several stringcourses are set into the stonework while the lowest part is engraved with an "elephant's eye" motif. This is said to have originated from the elephant's eye or the table leg. Though rectangular in shape, this stone basin evokes a flower in bloom. With exquisite details, it is considered a masterpiece that is a testament to the delicate stone craftsmanship of the Unified Silla Period.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08