Bronze Bell with Inscription of "Cheonheungsa Temple" in Seonggeosan Mountain

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.280

Category

Craft

Era

고려 현종 1년(1010)

Designated year

1993

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

This is a bell from the early Goryeo Period that is 1.33 meters tall and 0.96 meters wide. This was the largest bell constructed during the Goryeo Period. On top of the bell, a dragon with yeouiju in its mouth acts as a hook for the bell. The head of the dragon is tilted upwards more than the one found during the Silla Dynasty. The yongtong, which serves as an amplifier, has a bamboo shape with five layers in different designs. The flat edge of the bell has a lotus flower pattern, and the body has two bands with ball bearings. Each band is 10cm wide with flower and vine designs. Underneath the top band, there are four squares of nine individual lotus flower designs. The dangjwa, the area where the bell is struck, is also decorated with a lotus flower design. Between the two round dangjwas, images of flying angels are depicted. The placement of the images is contrary to the others found from the Silla Era. Characters found below these images explain the origin of the bell. It was constructed in the year 1010, and the origin is the Cheonheungsa Temple in Seonggeosan Mountain. This outstanding Goryeo bell is the third largest bell next to the Bronze Bell of Sangwonsa Temple from the Silla Kingdom, and Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok.

Location