Sangwonsa Temple

This is a bronze bell located at Sangwonsa Temple on Odaesan Mountain, created in the 24th year of King Seongdeok's reign of Silla (725 CE). Along with King Seongdeok's Divine Bell in Gyeongju (National Treasure) and the bronze bell excavated from Uncheon-dong, Cheongju (Treasure), it is one of only three complete Buddhist bells from the Unified Silla period remaining in Korea. Its dimensions are 167 cm in height and 91 cm in mouth diameter. At the very top of the bell, a dragon with a large head and strong talons forms the handle, and the sound pipe, which helps the sound resonate, is adorned with lotus and vine patterns. The wide bands at the top and bottom of the bell body and the rectangular lotus-petal frames are bordered with bead patterns, and inside, vine patterns and images of musicians playing instruments are carved. Inside each of the four lotus-petal frames, nine lotus bud-shaped nipples are arranged. On the lower part of the bell body, images of flying celestial beings are carved facing each other, shown kneeling on clouds, soaring through the sky, and playing musical instruments. Between the celestial beings, there is a striking point (dangja), the part where the bell is struck, decorated with bead and lotus patterns. The Sangwonsa bronze bell, along with its excellent carving techniques, exhibits a jar-like shape where the top and bottom of the bell body narrow inward. As the oldest existing Korean bell, it is a representative artifact showcasing the unique style and characteristics of Korean bells.