Oeosa Bronze Bell, Pohang

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1280

Category

Craft

Era

고려 고종3년(1216)

Designated year

1998

Location

포항시, 경상북도— 경북 포항시 남구 오천읍 오어로 1, 오어사 (항사리)

Coordinates

35.926309, 129.368871

This is a bell used at a temple to signal the hours or a meeting. Made during the Goryeo Period (918-1392) under the influence of those done during the Silla Period (57 BC- 935 AD), it has yongnyu (canons), yongtong (sound cylinder), yugwak (square-shaped ornamental space with nine lotus flower-shaped nipples arranged symmetrically), and dangjwa (part where the rod hits when tolling a bell). The existence of dangjwa is a feature found only in bells made on the Korean Peninsula. The bell also contains the images of two bodhisattvas facing each other and kneeling on flower-patterned sitting cushions, their hands clasped together. Another part of the bell displays a mortuary tablet-shaped inscription including Brahmi letters. The bell was made in 1216 (the 3rd year of the reign of King Gojong of Goryeo), and it weighs 180kg.

Location