Detail View: The AMICA Library: Rafter finial in the shape of a dragon head and wind chime
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AMICA ID:
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MMA_.1999.263ab
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AMICA Library Year:
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2002
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Object Type:
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Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
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Description:
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This expertly cast, lavishly gilt bronze finial in the shape of a dragon's head and the accompanying bell are among the finest pieces of metalwork of the late Unified Silla and early Koryô dynasties, when Korean art had digested Chinese influence and developed a mature native style characterized by refinement and sumptuousness. The imposing dragon's head originally graced one of the corner rafters of a Buddhist temple or a royal hall. The bell, which functioned as a wind chime, would have been suspended from the iron loop at the dragon's mouth by an S-shaped iron hook, which is now corroded but intact. In contrast to larger bells, which were sounded by striking the surface with a wooden mallet or stake, this small bell had a metal-plate clapper (now lost) attached to its interior. An auspicious symbol as well as a decorative motif, the dragon is one of the most popular images in Korean art and culture. It is viewed as a guardian figure that protects humans and wards off evil spirits. The dramatic features of this example?large staring eyes, flaring nostrils, wide-open mouth with protruding sharp fangs, and single horn?convey a fierceness and invincibility in keeping with such apotropaic functions. The theme of protectiveness is echoed in the decoration on the bell, which features a svastika, a Buddhist symbol of safety and peace. |
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Creator Nationality:
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Asian; Far East Asian; Korean
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Creator Dates/Places:
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Korea
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Korea
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Title:
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Rafter finial in the shape of a dragon head and wind chime
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View:
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Principal view
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Creation Date:
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Late Unified Silla (668?935)?early Koryô dynasty (918?1392) , 10th century
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Creation Start Date:
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1000
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Creation End Date:
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1099
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Materials and Techniques:
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Gilt bronze
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Dimensions:
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Finial: L. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm), Chime: H. 15 1/4 in. (38.7 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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New York, New York
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ID Number:
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1999.263ab
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Credit Line:
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Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 1999 Benefit Fund, and The Rosenkranz Foundation Inc. Gift, 1999
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Copyright:
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Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
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Rights:
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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MMA_.h1_1999.263ab.tif
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