Bronze Bell of Naksujeong Pavilion (Presumed)

This Buddhist bell was donated and returned to Korea in November 1999 through the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage by the Japanese collector Ms Takahara Himiko, who had inherited it from her ancestors. Although the dragon-shaped hanger (yongnyu) used to suspend the bell is damaged, the bell otherwise survives in almost complete condition. The top of the bell is nearly flat. Bands encircle the shoulder (sangdae) and the lowest section (hadae), decorated on their inner edges with semicircular and scroll patterns. The trapezoidal borders of the nipple panels (yeongwak) connected to the shoulder band are also lightly carved with scroll patterns, and within each panel small nipple-shaped bosses (yeolloe) with tiny petal bases project outward. The two striking panels (dangjwa), positioned slightly below the middle of the bell, are each bordered by a double circle and decorated inside with a scroll pattern. Four flying-apsaras reliefs (bicheonsang), arranged symmetrically around the striking panels, depict figures kneeling on clouds with their hands joined in prayer; these figures are carved in higher relief than the other decorative motifs. As the bell bears no inscription, its exact date of manufacture cannot be determined, but judging from its form, decoration, and the ratio of its metal components, it is thought to be a bell cast in the early Goryeo period, around the eleventh century, carrying on the stylistic traditions of Unified Silla.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jeonju, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물