Yongmunsa Temple Great Canon Hall Revolving Sutra Cases

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Yecheon

The two revolving sutra cases are located within the Great Canon Hall at Yongmunsa Temple. They are believed to have been built during the early Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). They were listed as Treasures No. 684 in 1980.
The octagonal sutra cases are situated on either side of the Buddha altar. Each sutra case is 4.2 m high and has a perimeter of 3.2 m. A central shaft reaches from beneath the floor through the top of the sutra case. Each face has a door, behind which there is a compartment for holding the sutras. The eight door panels, which vary in design, consist of delicately engraved openwork using small pieces of wood. The sutra case is rotated either by pushing the large wooden handle or the miniature railing. The pyramidal roof is supported by numerous bracket sets densely packed together.