Taeansa Cheongdong Daebara, Gokseong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.956

Category

Craft

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1988

Location

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

Coordinates

35.131958, 127.386381Kakao address conversion

These bronze cymbals were called bara in Korean and were used as percussion instrument for religious ceremony and dance in Buddhist temples. This pair is made with a pair of thin, round brass panels resembling a pot lid. A string is threaded into a hole made on the protruding area at the center of the brass panel. A pair of panels is held by both hands, one each, and banged together to create the sound. With diameter of 92 cm, these are the largest ancient cymbals remaining in Korea. They were produced with excellent technique and were preserved in good condition with practically not a single scratch. They bear an inscription stating that they were made at the order of Prince Hyoryeong to pray for his brother King Sejong, the queen, and the crown prince. The huge size indicates that these cymbals were not meant to be played by a person while holding them by the hands but by hanging them somewhere.

Location