Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell Elevated to National Treasure... 13th-Century Celadon and Portrait of Meritorious Official Designated as Treasures

A Masterpiece of Early Joseon Bronze Bell Design

Preserved in Its Original Place for Over 560 Years

Celadon Bowl Believed to Be for Goryeo Royalty

Portrait of Yoo Yukgeol with Its Original Storage Chest Survives

Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell in Namyangju.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 23rd that the "Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell in Namyangju" from the early Joseon Dynasty will be designated as a National Treasure, while the "Celadon Inlaid Double Dragon and Chrysanthemum Pattern Bowl" and "Portrait of Yoo Yukgeol and Storage Chest" will be designated as Treasures. In addition, one more portrait and one record of Yeongdang Gijeok will be newly added to the already designated Treasure, "The Complete Set of Portraits of Yun Jeung."

Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell Upgraded from Treasure to National Treasure

The Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell, which was designated as a Treasure in 1963 and has now been elevated to National Treasure status, is a work from the reign of King Yejong of Joseon. It was produced in conjunction with the founding of Bongseonsa Temple to pray for the repose of the king's father. The bell is highly regarded as a masterpiece of early Joseon style, as it incorporates Chinese sculptural elements while also reflecting Korean decorative motifs.

The casting record, written by Kang Heemaeng (1424–1483) and calligraphed by Jeong Nanjong (1433–1489), details the background, date, artisans, and enshrinement location of its creation. The casting record is a document containing information such as the context of production, creators, and materials. A Cultural Heritage Administration official explained, "It has been confirmed that some of these artisans also participated in the making of the Heungcheonsa-myeong Bronze Bell and the old Bosingak Bell."

This work is the only large temple bell from the royal family of early Joseon to remain in its original location, enshrined in the bell pavilion of Bongseonsa Temple. It shows almost no cracks or structural defects and is in excellent preservation. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "As the archetype of Joseon bronze bells, there is no doubt it is worthy of designation as a National Treasure."

Celadon Inlaid Pair of Dragons and Chrysanthemum Pattern Bowl.

Goryeo Celadon Bowl Featuring Reverse Inlay Technique

The Celadon Inlaid Double Dragon and Chrysanthemum Pattern Bowl, designated as a Treasure, is estimated to have been crafted in the 13th century. The bowl has no foot, and both the interior and exterior surfaces are densely decorated with inlay and incised patterns. Unusually, the center of the inner base features two dragons, with wave patterns depicted in the background.

This piece is larger than typical bowls or dishes, and its form and type differ from everyday utensils. The use of the highly advanced reverse inlay technique suggests it was used by the royal court or government offices. Reverse inlay involves carving out the area around the pattern and filling it with white clay to make the design stand out—essentially the opposite of the standard inlay process, where the pattern itself is incised and filled.

The Celadon Inlaid Double Dragon and Chrysanthemum Pattern Bowl is exceptionally well-preserved, with no repairs or restoration. Its glaze color and surface are also artistically outstanding. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "It demonstrates the mature artistry achieved by Goryeo inlaid celadon ware in the 13th century."

Portrait of Yoo Yukgol.

Portrait of Yoo Yukgeol and the Storage Chest Preserved Together

The Portrait of Yoo Yukgeol and Storage Chest, housed at Cheonan Museum, consists of the portrait of Yoo Yukgeol (1594–1627), who was appointed as a second-class Meritorious Subject for suppressing the rebellion of Yi Gwal, and the chest used to store the portrait. The conferment of the title and production/distribution of the official portrait took place in 1625. Related information is recorded in the "Register of Meritorious Subjects for the Suppression of Rebels."

The portrait depicts Yoo Yukgeol wearing a samo (official hat) and formal attire, with an insignia featuring haechi (a mythical animal symbolizing discernment of right and wrong) on his chest and a crane-patterned belt around his waist. He is shown seated with both hands clasped, his left profile more prominently displayed. This reflects the typical format and iconography found in portraits of meritorious officials produced intensively in the 17th century.

This piece, created as a hanging scroll, also displays distinctive features differing from early 17th-century works, such as the brown tone of the face and the use of fine lines. The gold wave pattern on the background of the insignia also contrasts with earlier pieces. A Cultural Heritage Administration official commented, "It is among the finest portraits of meritorious subjects, and the preservation of the storage chest further enhances its value."

Han Chul Lee's uncle.

Addition of Copy and Yeongdang Gijeok to the Complete Set of Portraits of Yun Jeung

The Treasure "The Complete Set of Portraits of Yun Jeung" will now include the Imobon copy painted by Lee Hancheol (1808–?), produced in 1885, and an additional Yeongdang Gijeok record. The Yun Jeung family commissioned the highest-level painters of each era to produce such copies at regular intervals. An Imobon is a reproduction painting, created by referencing the original work. The process of producing these copies is documented in the Yeongdang Gijeok. According to a Cultural Heritage Administration official, "The newly added Yeongdang Gijeok predates the records previously designated." Regarding the Imobon, the official added, "It reflects the painting styles and unique techniques of each artist active in their respective periods, which is of high art historical value."

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