Bronze Gong with Inscription of "Bongeopsa Temple"

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.576

Category

Craft

Era

고려시대(1217)

Designated year

1973

Location

서대문구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 서대문구 연세로 50 (신촌동, 연세대학교 박물관)

Coordinates

37.566051, 126.943916Kakao address conversion

This bronze gong is a percussion instrument used in Buddhist temples, known as banja. The instrument is also referred to as geumgo or geumgu. This gong is usually struck to announce a gathering of parish people or alert them of an emergency. The item is rather large for a banja, measuring 61cm in diameter and 12.9㎝ in width, and has original surface motifs. The concentric circle made with three-raised rings divides the surface into three areas. Inside the central circle, there are nine embossed lotus seeds, surrounded by eight lotus petals. The ringed area, immediately outside the central circle has a relief of twenty-four lotus petals. The outermost area is decorated with cloud motifs, and the edge has bud motifs. An embossed line runs on the lateral side with three loops attached to it, for passing through a strap to hang the gong. The inscription on the gong indicates that this item was cast in 1217 (the 4th year of King Gojong’s reign of Goryeo). The surface motifs, although rather shallow and not extremely distinct, are highly original in their distribution.

Location