Naejangsajoseon Bronze Bell

The bell stands 80 cm in total height, with a body 60 cm long and a mouth 50 cm in diameter. Though small, it clearly shows the features characteristic of a late Joseon bronze bell, together with a legible inscription. A single band of scroll (vine) pattern encircles the area around the mouth, and at the shoulder a band of scroll pattern and a band of wave pattern are arranged side by side. Below the shoulder, Sanskrit letters are carved in relief within small circles set out in two rows, with twenty-four circles making up the design. At the centre of the body are four square nipple-panels (yugwak), each enclosing nine raised bosses (yudu) in relief; the bands forming the panels are filled with scroll pattern. Bodhisattva figures are carved in relief between the panels, and at the very top of the body is a pattern resembling upright flowers set as decoration. This bell was brought from Borimsa Temple in South Jeolla Province when Naejangsa Temple was reconstructed. In the late Japanese colonial period it was hidden at Wonjeogam Hermitage, and during the Korean War it was moved to a podogyodang, a Buddhist mission hall, in Jeongeup for safekeeping.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jeongeup, Jeonbuk

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산