[Korean Beauty] Divine Bell of the Great King Seongdeok

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yna@yna.co.kr | 2021-01-02 12:58:44

Seongdeokdaewang-Sinjong 신라 성덕대왕신종 (新羅聖德大王神鐘)

▲ Seongdeokdaewang-Sinjong, 신라 성덕대왕신종 (新羅聖德大王神鐘)

Period : 771 AD, Unified Silla
Heigh 3.658m, weight 18.908kg±2kg
National Treasure No. 29

Housed at the National Museum of Gyeongju, the massive bronze bell was commissioned by King Gyeongdeok to honor his father, King Seongdeok.

However, King Gyeongdeok never lived to see the casting of the bell, as he died in 765 A.D.

It is one of the greatest masterpieces of Unified Silla art judging by its beautiful shape and patterns.

There are many relief patterns on the surface, including a pair of prayers with an incense burner on his hands.

[Oh Se-yun, who took this picture, is a photographer who specializes in cultural properties.]

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