Taeansa Bronze Bell, Gokseong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1349

Category

Craft

Era

조선 선조 14년(1581)

Designated year

2002

Location

곡성군, 전라남도— 전남 곡성군 죽곡면 태안로 622-215, 태안사 (원달리)

Coordinates

35.131634, 127.387601

This bell, which is currently kept in the Main Hall of Taeansa Temple, was made without the help of the central government during the early Joseon Period (1392-1910) when the government adopted the policy of suppressing Buddhism. At the top of the bell are yongtong (sound cylinder) and yongnyu (cannon). Its shoulder has a tier adorned with lotus flower patterns. A band-like space below the top contains lotus flower patterns in rectangles and Brahmi letters contained in a circle. The body has four yugwak (square-shaped ornamental space with nine lotus flower-shaped nipples arranged symmetrically). The sash-shaped space between the body and the bottom contains inscriptions of lotus flower patterns and scrolling vines. The remarks inscribed on the body say that the bell was first made in 1457 (the 3rd year of the reign of King Sejo) and later remade in 1581 (the 14th year of King Seonjo’s reign) due to damage. The bell inherited the creative style of bells handed down between the Silla Period (57 BC- 935 AD) and the Goryeo Period (918-1392). It is a precious material showing what the bronze bell was like during the transition period in the early Joseon Period. The piece contains production-related information on the surface and shows relatively good workmanship.

Location