Bronze Jar of Unmunsa Temple, Cheongdo

This jar is entirely black in tone, and although its exact use is unknown, the fact that it has been traditionally called gamnojun ('sweet-dew jar') suggests that it served as a Buddhist ritual vessel at the temple. It stands 55cm high, with a mouth diameter of 19.5cm and a body diameter of 31cm. The rim of the lid is rounded, and above it rises an ornate handle in the shape of six lotus petals combined with a cross-shaped flame motif. The jar has broad shoulders and a foot at the base, with thick rings serving as handles attached to either side of the body. Above the 33.5cm-high body sits a flat lid, and it is notable that an unusual knob is set at its centre. In particular, the flame-shaped handle on the lid resembles those commonly seen on the finials of budo (stone stupas enshrining monks' relics) made from the end of Unified Silla through the Goryeo period, suggesting some connection between the two. An inscription recording the date of manufacture is carved along the shoulder of the body. Since it records that the jar was repaired in 1067, the 21st year of King Munjong of Goryeo, the date of its original manufacture is presumed to be somewhat earlier, around the late Silla or early Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Cheongdo, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물