Chulto Bronze Bell, Yeoju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1166

Category

Craft

Designated year

1993

Location

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

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

This bronze bell was accidentally found in 1967 while collecting scrap metal in Sangpum-ri, Geumsa-myeon, Yeoju-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Made during the Goryeo Dynasty, it has length of 84 cm and mouth diameter of 55 cm. The hanging loop of the bell, called yongnyu, was made in the shape of a dragon with its head held upward. The hollow post, functioning as a resonator, is divided into 6 segments, with a vine pattern engraved on each segment. The top and bottom of the bell as well as the square-shaped frame surrounding 9 protruding bumps are encircled with a band of thinly linked beads. The inside of the frame is decorated with a peony vine design. The round bumps inside the frame are made in the form of flowers. Unlike the Bronze Bell Inscribed with “Cheonheungsa Temple” in Seonggeosan Mountain (National Treasure No. 280), the image of a flying deity is engraved on four different parts on the body of the bell. In particular, two images of Bodhisattva wearing a crown are placed in symmetry on this bell. The chamber for striking the bell is put alternately with the image of Bodhisattva in four different places. The writing engraved on the lower part of the bell body tells the weight and production year of the bell, i.e., 12th year of the reign of King Munjong (1058) of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Location