Cheonheungsa Temple: Bell

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Cheonan; Goryeo dynasty

This bronze bell was listed as National Treasure No. 280 in 1993.
The crown of the bell is in the form of a dragon with a jewel in its mouth, which differs greatly from bells of the Unified Silla dynasty (668–935). An acoustic tube at the dragon’s side is shaped like a bamboo stem. The acoustic tube and dragon were cast separately and then welded onto the bell.
The top is decorated with a floral band and a border of beads, while the upper waist has panels containing nine studs, some of which have been damaged. A bossed rim surrounds the lower part with figures making offerings. Bells from the Unified Silla dynasty traditionally featured images of heavenly musicians, but these were replaced during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) by figures making offerings, which is a distinguishing feature of this bell.