Geumsamyeon: Bell

SOUTH KOREA, Gyeonggi, Yeoju; Goryeo dynasty

This bell was listed as National Treasure No. 1166 in 1993. The crown is in the form of a curled dragon with a wide open mouth holding a jewel. The crest and scales of the dragon are exquisitely made, and there are flaming wings extending upwards. The acoustic tube next to the dragon is decorated with bead, scroll leaf, and cloud patterns.
The bands on the shoulder and rim feature peony, scroll leaf, and bead patterns. The upper portion has four panels fringed by bead and floral patterns, each with nine studs. Below the studs are Buddhas and Bodhisattvas sitting on clouds, which is a typical feature of Goryeo bells. There are four bosses in the shape of lotuses on the lower section. This was the first Korean bells to have four bosses for striking instead of one.