Bronze Bell Cast by Buddhist Monk Sain - Gimnyongsa Temple, Mungyeong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.11-2

Category

Craft

Era

조선 현종 11년(1670)

Designated year

2000

Location

김천시, 경상북도— 경북 김천시 대항면 북암길 89, 직지사 성보박물관 (운수리)

Coordinates

36.116772, 128.004077

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. This bronze bell epitomizes the bell-founding style of the late Joseon Dynasty. Like the Bronze Bell of Sutasa Temple in Hongcheon (Treasure No. 11-3), which was produced in the same year, it features a unique dangjwa (the striking point on the bell). Cast before the bell at Sutasa Temple, it constitutes a valuable source material for studying the works of Sain as well as more general studies of bells produced during the Joseon Dynasty.

Location