Bell of King Seongdeok, Bronze bell in Gyeongju National Museum, South Korea.
The Bell of King Seongdeok is a monumental bronze bell housed in the Gyeongju National Museum and impresses with its massive scale. Its surface is covered with Chinese inscriptions that document the construction history and intended purpose of this work.
A ruler commissioned the casting of this bell in 742 to honor his deceased father, but the project took many years to complete. It was finally finished in 771 under his successor's reign.
The surface displays intricately carved dragon motifs and lotus flowers that reflect the spiritual beliefs of the era. These decorations show how people infused their religious devotion into metalwork.
You can view this bronze work in a climate-controlled indoor setting where conditions are carefully maintained for preservation. Plan time to explore the surface details closely and appreciate the craftsmanship of the metalworkers who created it.
A special internal design feature absorbs high-frequency sounds and gives this work a distinctive acoustic quality. This thoughtful design reveals the ancient metalworkers' deep understanding of how bronze produces sound.
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