Buddhist Bells

This is a bell used in a Buddhist temple to inform people of the time; summon people together; and perform rituals. The sound of this bell was often used to represent Buddha’s teachings, and it was believed to have the power to save suffering souls from hell. While the name of the bell is written in China and Japan as the combination of the Chinese character “金” (metal) and “童” (child), in Korea, it is written as the single Chinese character “鍾”(bell), which combines “金” (metal) and “重” (weight).
As such, Korean bells are different in their appearance as well as the use of Chinese characters in their name. Chinese and Japanese bells have bell loops (also referred to as “dragon loop” due to their dragon shapes) in which two dragons face away from each other. To the contrary, Korean bells feature bell loops with engravings in which a dragon is stretching its head and legs, and sound pipes (also referred to as “sound tube”), which are not found in their counterparts in China and Japan. In addition, the top and bottom of the bell’s surface are decorated with four bands engraved with floral medallion designs and peony-arabesque designs; four lotus bands with nine lotus bosses (also referred to as “bossed band (乳廓)”). On the surface of the bell’s body were engraved two heavenly maidens, and the striking point of the bell was marked with engravings as well. Korean bells are widely known for their graceful curves and a sound that resonates through the heart.