Bronze Bell of Hwabangsa Temple, Namhae

This bell is almost identical in form to the bronze bell inscribed with the date 'Qianlong 32nd year' (1767), but it lacks a casting inscription of its own. Its structural style is nonetheless excellent and dignified, and its manufacturing technique raises the possibility that it may in fact date from an earlier period. There is a slight crack at the striking point (dangjwa). The twin-dragon hanger and crown plate resemble those of the other bell, with eight Sanskrit characters set within a circular border on top. On the body, lotus-seed chambers (yeongwak) are placed on all four sides, and bodhisattva figures are likewise depicted on all four sides between them, creating a harmonious composition. The lower band is finished with a scrolling foliage design. The bell is valuable as material for the study of bronze bells of the late Joseon period.

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Where it is

Region

Namhae, Gyeongnam

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산