Bronze Bell of Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon (2008-1)

This bell, one of the comparatively large works at 120 cm in height, bears a cast inscription on its body recording that it was recast for the Great Bell of Seonamsa Temple on Jogyesan Mountain in 1700 (the thirty-ninth year of the Kangxi reign), using 800 geun (a traditional unit of weight) of metal; it is understood, however, that the bell was in fact newly cast at this time. Of particular significance are the names listed in the inscription — Kim Su-won, son of Kim Sang-rip; the chief master craftsman Kim Seong-won; the deputy master craftsman Kim Hyo-geon; and Kim Seong-won's younger brother Kim Seom-tae — figures active in the eighteenth century, together with Kim Sang-rip himself and his sons. This makes the bell deeply significant as the first work through which the activities of the private bell-founding tradition centred on Kim Sang-rip can be glimpsed. Not only does the bell's shape represent the typical form of the late Joseon period, but the vigorous twin-dragon loop, the bands of raised bosses, the bodhisattva figures, and the votive tablet bearing an inscription praying for the peace of the royal household are all rendered with delicate patterning, giving the work an overall well-balanced sculptural quality.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Suncheon, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물