Highlights
Sarira Reliquaries from the Five-story Stone Pagoda in Wanggung-ri, Iksan (Bronze Handbell)
- Nationality/Period
Unified Silla Period
- Provenance
Iksan-si
- Materials
Metal - Copper Alloy
- Category
religion - Buddhism - ceremony - brass handbell
- Dimensions
D. 2.5cm, W. 0.6cm
- Designation
National Treasure 123
- Accession Number
Sinsu 2132
This bronze hand bell was discovered during the dismantling and restoration of the Five-story Stone Pagoda in Wanggung-ri, Iksan, in 1965. Hand bells such as this were used as ritual objects to invoke spirits of the dead or supernatural powers. It was an important ritual implement used to please Buddha and the Bodhisattvas during prayer meetings and to guide sentient beings to the world of Buddhahood. The hand bell has a spherical body, torn mouth, and clapper.