Bronze Bell Cast by Buddhist Monk Sain - Cheonggyesa Temple, Uiwang

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.11-7

Category

Craft

Era

조선 숙종 27년(1701)

Designated year

2000

Location

의왕시, 경기도— 경기 의왕시 청계동 산11번지 청계사

Coordinates

37.402565, 127.027593

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 bell is 115cm in height, has a diameter of 71cm at the mouth, and weighs about 420kg. Its top is fitted with a loop, shaped like two dragons, which served to suspend it from the ceiling. Both the shoulder and mouth are decorated with wide stripes of flower and vine patterns. Immediately below the shoulder are two square-shaped frames, within which are nine dots in relief, while images of a Bodhisattva can be seen between the squares. The middle of its body is covered with two wide horizontal stripes, presumably an influence from China, while below the lines are inscriptions stating the identity of the producer and the production date. Highly representative of the bell production style of the 18th century, this bronze bell is highly valued as an important resource for studies of the bells of the late Joseon Dynasty.

Location