Bronze Bell Cast by Buddhist Monk Sain, Ganghwa

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.11-8

Category

Craft

Era

조선 숙종 37년(1711)

Designated year

1963

Location

강화군, 인천광역시— 인천 강화군 하점면 부근리 350-4번지 강화역사박물관

Coordinates

37.748321, 126.483566

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 was produced by Sain in 1711 (the 37th year of King Sukjong's reign). The bell is 198cm in height and has a diameter of 138cm at the mouth. The top of the bell contains a hoop - formed of two sculpted dragons facing each other – which was used to suspend the bell from the ceiling. The shoulder is a little elevated, and has an upside-down-shaped rim, which appears to be a vestige of a Goryeo bell style consisting of vertical petals around the bell shoulder. Below the shoulder are four square-shaped frames, in each of which nine lotus flowers are carved in relief, while the bell’s mouth is decorated with a wide stripe of flower patterns. The center of the body bears two horizontal lines that divide the bell into upper and lower parts. An inscription on the bell states the production date. This bell epitomizes the new characteristics of Joseon bells, which started to appear as the traditional style of Goryeo receded.

Location