Van Ban bell - one of Vietnam's most ancient and biggest bronze bells
PSNews - The bell was discovered in 1958 on the Do Son coast near Hai Phong. The bell is an icon of the establishment of Buddhism in Vietnam under the Ly and Tran dynasties.
The bell of Van Ban Pagoda, one of Vietnam's most ancient and biggest bronze bells, is from the Dai Viet Civilization. The bell was discovered in 1958 on the Do Son coast near Hai Phong. The bell is an icon of the establishment of Buddhism in Vietnam under the Ly and Tran dynasties.
The bell has cylinder form with enlarged mouth, grip has the forms of twin dragons with connected bodies typically for many bells related to Le dynasty period but the position and shape of the dragons look like the dragons in grip of the bell of Binh Lam pagoda in Vi Xuyen dictrict, Ha Giang province that has been referred to Tran dynasty period (the 13th-14th century).
The dragons have high rowers having the shape of mountain raw, raised heads with wide opened mouths showing even teeth and spiraling tongue in 3 circles. Top of bell’s grip were cast in the forms of lotus flower, the dragon’s bodies are thick with the ornaments of carp scales.
The inscription text in the bell is precious historical document for researching history, religion and society in time of Tran dynasty.
There have been decades the Van Ban bell is being proudly demonstrated in Tran dynasty sector in National Historic Museum as well as in many special exhibitions abroad.
The bell is also being introduced in many historical research works on Vietnam home and abroad and it is worthily recognized as a state treasure by prime minister.
