Tongdosa Temple Geungnagam Hermitage Banja, Yangsan

This large bronze banja, a flat gong struck to call worshippers to Buddhist ceremonies, currently hangs in Muryangsujeon Hall and measures 85.5-85.8 cm in diameter. Two semicircular loops are attached to its side, showing that it was originally suspended by fastenings on both sides. At the centre of the front face is a dangjwa, a raised boss in the form of a taegeuk (yin-yang) roundel marking the striking point. To the left and right of the boss are five raised square frames, each bearing a votive inscription in relief. To the right of the boss is cast "Long live His Majesty the Great Emperor" (大皇帝陛下萬萬歲), "Long life to Consort Sun" (淳妃邸下壽齊年) and "Long life to Crown Prince Yeong" (英親王邸下壽齊年); to the left is "A thousand thousand years to the Crown Prince" (皇太子殿下千千歲) and "Long life to the Crown Princess" (皇太子妃殿下壽齊年). These inscriptions show that the banja was cast during the Korean Empire to pray for the restoration and well-being of the royal family. The edge of the front face is bordered with an incised line, and the back has a hole 65.0 cm in diameter. On the side, raised circular medallions are arranged in two rows, each incised with the syllable "om", making a total of forty-four such medallions spaced at regular intervals.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yangsan, Gyeongnam

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료