Heungguksa Bronze Bell, Yeosu

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1556

Category

Craft

Era

1665년

Designated year

2008

Location

여수시, 전라남도— 전라남도 여수시 흥국사길 160(중흥동, 흥국사)

Coordinates

34.821004, 127.700222

This bell was cast in 1665, originally for Daeheungsa Temple on Dongnisan Mountain in Suncheon, by Kim Yong-am and Kim Seong-won, who were both well-known bell makers in the Buddhist community, along with Kim Ae-rip, a leading private artisan. With a height of 121 centimeters, this is one of the larger temple bells of the day. It is shaped like a cannonball, with a narrow shoulder, a body that gradually widens toward the bottom, and a twin-dragon hook. The top plate has a lotus band and the shoulder is encircled with roundels carved with the six-word mantra of Vairocana, the Buddha of Great Illumination. The body has lotus panels, Bodhisattva images and a tablet containing the Chinese character ‘殿,’ meaning the king and symbolizing wishes for the prosperity of the royal family. These decorative patterns are arranged in an orderly manner and rendered delicately and beautifully. The bell clearly shows the characteristic traits of bells made by Kim Ae-rip, who possessed excellent bell-casting skills comparable to the famous bell caster Sain. It is preserved in good condition.

Location