'Buan Naesosa Temple Bronze Bell' to be Designated as a National Treasure

"Important for Research on Various Bell-Related Crafts Including Forming, Design, and Casting"

The 'Buan Naesosa Bronze Bell,' the largest bronze bell from the late Goryeo period, will be elevated to the status of a National Treasure. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 31st that it will finalize the designation after collecting opinions from various sectors for a month and undergoing a review by the Cultural Heritage Committee.

This piece inherits the tradition of Unified Silla while exhibiting characteristics of the Goryeo period. According to the bell inscription, it was crafted in 1222 under the supervision of monks Heo Baek and Jong Ik, with artisan Han Jung-seo as the maker. Originally enshrined at Cheongrimsa Temple, it was relocated to Naesosa Temple in 1850.

The Naesosa Bronze Bell has been managed as a Treasure since 1963, as it was regarded as a prime example of late Goryeo bronze bells. The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "It possesses outstanding decorative and sculptural qualities, such as the dynamic dragon-shaped handle designed as if flying through the air, the shoulder area decorated three-dimensionally with lotus flower patterns, the body featuring bas-reliefs of the Three Buddhas instead of celestial beings, four delicately crafted lotus petal-shaped sound plates, and well-balanced proportions with beautiful curvature."

Han Jung-seo, the maker, was an artisan active from the early to mid-13th century. Recognized for his skills as a private craftsman (sajang), he became an official artisan (gwanjang) affiliated with government offices. His representative works include the Naesosa Bronze Bell, the Goryeongsa Bronze Drum (1213), the Bokcheonsa Bronze Drum (1238), the Sinryongsa Inscribed Small Bell (1238), and the Okcheonsa Bronze Drum (1252).

Among these, the Naesosa Bronze Bell is considered to have the highest academic value. The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "Its style, design, and casting are very important for the study of Korean bronze bells and manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, the enshrinement location, donors, and maker are precisely recorded in the bell inscription, necessitating protection as a National Treasure."

Meanwhile, the Cultural Heritage Administration also announced the preliminary designation of five items as Treasures on the same day: the 'Gold Belt Excavated from Geumryeong Tomb in Gyeongju,' the 'Gold Belt Excavated from Seobong Tomb in Gyeongju,' the 'Celadon Incised Parrot Pattern Jeongbyeong,' the 'Book of Master Bokjae,' and the 'Wooden Seated Sakyamuni Buddha Statue and Associated Relics from Seonchalsa Temple in Andong.'