Bronze Bell of Gapsa Temple

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.478

Category

Craft

Era

조선 선조 17년(1584)

Designated year

1968

Location

공주시, 충청남도— 충남 공주시 계룡면 갑사로 567-3, 갑사 (중장리)

Coordinates

36.365230, 127.187250

Located at Gapsa Temple, this bronze bell was made in 1584, the 17th year of the reign of King Seonjong of the early Joseon Dynasty, in order to pray for the long life of the king. The bell is 131 cm tall with a diameter of 91 cm at the mouth. Overall, it is curved gently from the shoulder to the middle, and then goes straight down to the mouth. A sculpture of two dragons forms a loop at the top without any resonance chamber. The shoulder of the bell is carved in relief with flower patterns in the shape of a wave. below these are engraved lotus flower patterns and Sanskrit letters. Next, there are designs of squares inside which are carved nine lotus flowers with protruding centers. On the body, there are four spots of dangjwa where a wooden ram struck on the bell. Between the dangjwa are designs of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva holding a cane and standing on clouds. The mouth of the bell is rimmed with vined patterns. Under Japanese imperial rule, this bell was starved of donations, and then, after Korean independence, was moved to Gapsa Temple. This shows that the bell as well as the Korean people went through hard times.

Location