Samseonam Bronze Bell, Jinju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1698

Category

Craft

Designated year

2010

Location

진주시, 경상남도— 경남 진주시 의병로111번길 17, 삼선암 (상봉동)

Coordinates

35.201765, 128.071150Kakao address conversion

This bronze bell, currently in Daeungjeon Hall of Samseonam Hermitage, was accidentally discovered in 1951 by a farmer during a reclamation work on the former site of a temple in Jinju (then Jinyang-gun; Sagok-ri, Sugok-myeon). This bell dating from the Goryeo Period is a mid-size bronze bell measuring 64.2cm in height and having a mouth diameter of 37.6cm. The bell has a pale green hue across its surface. It has a straight shoulder and a crown in the shape of a dragon with a sound tube wrapped up by the twisted body of the dragon. The sides flare out gently until they suddenly taper at the level of the mouth, giving the bell a round belly. The surface is adorned with various ornamental designs, but the overall composition is rather simple. At the level immediately below the shoulder, the surface has thick relief sculptures of lotus flowers and scroll design. Beneath lie four trapezoids placed at regular intervals. The trapezoidal shape is created with lotus and scroll design and bead motifs, and four full-bloomed lotus flowers are enclosed inside each of the four trapezoids. Two striking points are located further down, with lotus flowers in full bloom inside them and are embellished by a bead band. Near its mouth, the bell is ringed with a band of lotus and scroll design, similar to the one in relief sculpture, located further up. The bell is slightly damaged with a mild degree of corrosion observed across the surface, but is, nevertheless, in an excellent condition overall. As a rare Goryeo bell with the clearly established place of discovery, it has great value for research. Although lacking a bas-relief of a flying heavenly maiden or even an inscription, the Bronze Bell of Samseonam Hermitage is one of the very few early Goryeo bells faithfully embodying features that are characteristic of the style of this period.

Location