Buddhist Ritual Implements Excavated from Heungnyunsa Temple in Gyeongju to Be Unveiled Next Month

Special Exhibition Commemorating the APEC Summit
Showcasing 58 Artifacts from 50 Cases of Goryeo Buddhist Crafts

Special Exhibition 'Memories of the Cauldron, Hidden Wishes' Exhibition Artifacts

The Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Chunchoo Cultural Heritage Institute will hold a special exhibition titled 'Memories of the Cauldron, Hidden Wishes' at the Bulguksa Museum from October 1 to December 7.

This exhibition commemorates the 'APEC Summit' taking place from October 31 to November 1. For the first time, it will showcase 58 artifacts from 50 cases, including an iron cauldron, Buddhist ritual implements, and grains, which were excavated from the western side of Heungnyunsa Temple in Gyeongju in 2023 and have undergone preservation and scientific analysis over the past two years.

At the time of excavation, intricate Buddhist ritual implements such as an incense burner, incense bowl, candlestick, plate, vajra bell, and vajra scepter were discovered together inside the iron cauldron. The incense bowl is a type of incense burner with a trumpet-shaped high pedestal, and the vajra bell is a ritual object that combines a bell and a vajra scepter for Buddhist ceremonies. The vajra scepter symbolizes thunder and represents the wisdom and determination to pierce through afflictions and obstacles.

The discovery of various types of artifacts together provides important clues for understanding Buddhist rituals and beliefs during the Goryeo Dynasty. In particular, the fact that nine types of grains-including lime, barley, rice, millet, foxtail millet, wheat, and beans-were buried together indicates that this was a special ritual act rather than a simple burial.

An institute official explained, "Visitors can view both the inscribed roof tile bearing the name '○Myosa (○Temple)' and representative ritual implements confirmed at the time of excavation, allowing them to experience firsthand the sophisticated forms and delicate decorations of Goryeo Dynasty Buddhist crafts."

The exhibition is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is closed on Mondays.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.