Cloud Plate Gong

KOREA; Joseon dynasty

This Buddhist ritual instrument from the Joseon dynasty was used to announce meal times.
The edges of the gong consist of dragons’ bodies with the heads emerging at the top to face each other. The dragon’s scales are incised very clearly and their triangular fins stick out. The gong is suspended from two holes in the dragons’ necks. The feet of the dragons extend in towards the main part of the gong. In the center, there are two Bodhisattvas standing on clouds. Above the Bodhisattvas are six Sanskrit syllables, beneath which there are scroll patterns and birds stretching their wings. The lower section is decorated with chrysanthemum and leaf patterns. Surrounding the Bodhisattvas are whorl, ripple, and cloud patterns.