Bronze Bell Cast by Buddhist Monk Sain - Seounam Hermitage of Bogyeongsa Temple, Pohang

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.11-1

Category

Craft

Era

조선 현종 8년(1667)

Designated year

2000

Location

포항시, 경상북도— 경북 포항시 북구 송라면 보경로 523 (중산리)

Coordinates

36.252233, 129.317937

This Buddhist bronze bell was produced by Sain, a monk-artist who was active in Gyeonggi-do and Gyeongsang-do provinces during the reign of King Sukjong of the Joseon Dynasty. As a prominent Buddhist monk and craftsman of the first half of the 18th century, Sain is known to have produced a unique set of bells by infusing genuine originality into the traditional bell casting process of ancient Silla. Exhibiting uniquely distinctive characteristics, eight of his works have survived to the present day. As Sain's earliest production, this bronze bell has a round loop on the top to enable its suspension. Its shoulder is surrounded by forty standing lotus petals each bearing a human figure. Below these are four square-shaped frames, in each of which are five protruded dots, marking a departure from the typical configuration of nine dots. Buddha’s teachings are inscribed between the squares. Though small in size, this bell is representative of Sain's earlier production technique, and is an essential resource for studies of the bells of the Joseon Dynasty.

Location