Gapsa Temple: Bell

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Gongju; Joseon dynasty

This bell was cast as a wish for the long life of King Seonjo (reigned 1568–1608). It was confiscated during the Japanese rule (1910–1945) and taken to Japan. The bell was returned to Gapsa Temple in the post-war period and was listed as Treasure No. 478 in 1968.
The bell’s crown is in the form of twin dragons with arched bodies. The edge of the shoulder is decorated with a wavy pattern, below which there are two bands featuring inverted lotus petals and Sanskrit seed syllables. The upper section has four panels, each containing nine lotus studs, and there are four raised bosses in the lower section. Between each boss is an image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva standing on a cloud and holding a staff. A ring of flowers is featured towards the edge of the bell.