Bongsunsa Temple: Bell

SOUTH KOREA, Gyeonggi; Joseon dynasty

The bell was cast during the early Joseon dynasty and is a fine example of a bronze bell from that period. It was commissioned by Queen Jeonghui in 1469 in memory of King Sejo (reigned 1455–1468) and was listed as Treasure No. 397 in 1976.
The crown is in the form of a dragon with a curved body. There are two embossed lines on the shoulder, and the waist is divided into three sections by embossed lines and a ring with a ripple pattern. The upper section has panels with studs alternating with images of Bodhisattvas. The middle section has an inscription listing the names of the metalsmiths and other participants, which reveals the scale of the casting project. The lower section is without any decoration.