Pyongyang, April 3 (KCNA) -- A stone Buddhist image dating back to the early years of Koryo (918-1392) has been recently unearthed in Yakjon-ri, Sukchon County, South Phyongan Province of the DPRK, and registered as a relic of preservation.

Officials and a research group of the Archaeological Institute of the Academy of Social Sciences and the Bureau for the Protection of National Cultural Heritage have made a deep survey and unearthing of historical relics. In the course, they discovered this stone Buddhist image.

The stone Buddhist image depicting Amitabha is 171 cm high and 26-54 cm thick.

The head of a Buddha with cross-legged position is large and round, and its upper part is treated as a form of smoothness.

Its protruding lips under a longish nose are thick, two ears are drawn down to the neck and two eyes are closed gently. Generally, the image of Buddha gives an impression of gravity.

Through analysis of the position of Buddha's two hands and other depiction, scholars confirmed it as the image of Amitabha. They also deepened the survey of tile pieces from the surroundings and discovered that the date of its manufacture was early in the 10th century, the early years of Koryo.

The stone Buddhist image, well-trimmed with delicate and exquisite skills, will be of great help to the study of the history and culture in the period of Koryo as it is another precious legacy showing the excellent talents and wisdom of the Korean ancestors. -0-