Detail

`According as the industrial structure of our country keeps improving along with rapid increase in exprots, the volume of international mail continues to expand, with the size of each mail item also becoming bigger. Thus, the Ministry of Communications is issuing a 1,000­Won postage stamp, with the image of flying angels carved in relief on the surface of the Bronze Bell of Sangwon­sa Temple as its design, as much inconvenience has been felt even with the use of the 500­Won stamp, the one with the highest face value in Korea at present. Image of Flying Angels Carved on Bronzw Bell of Sangwon-sa Temple: Molded in 725 A.D. during the Unified Silla Dynasty, this bronze bell, measuring 1.67m in height and 91㎝ in mouth diameter, is designated as National Treasure No.36. Having been preserved at Sangwon­sa Temple in Kangwon­do Province, the beautiful bronze bell is the oldest one existing in Korea. The image of flying angels sculptured in relief on the surface of the bell in an exquisite and elaborate sculptural work, depicting two angels flying high over the clouds, one playing the traditional Korean version of harp while another blowing the flute. The heavenly clothes floating high in the sky and the necklaces worn by the angels are indeed unparalleled in beauty and grace, with the figures of body and hands being extremly realistic and delicate. The refined and subtle techniques of carving were capable of depicting expressly even the thinnest lines, attesting to the eminent skills of the times.`