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Japan Antique Large Bronze Temple Bell With Pleasant Sound, Double Signed, 25"

$2,600
£1,979.85
€2,279.74
CA$3,684.43
A$3,963.13
CHF 2,118.01
MX$46,714.01
NOK 26,703.17
SEK 24,411.76
DKK 17,033.50

About the Item

Japanese Large 25" Tall Patinated Bronze Temple Bell With A Resonating Sound Guaranteed to Please You The double Kanji inscriptions makes this bell special. For your meditation , or special garden display comes this handsome 25 inch tall bronze bell. Its original old and natural dark green patination belies its importance and rarity. Hard to find with its attractive patina- this is an authentic indication that this bell had actually hung for quite some time and had been used functionally. At the top, the handle (ryûzu) is crafted in the form of two mirrored dragon heads. Around the upper portion of the bell, the pronounced bosses Fu (chi) are arranged in five rows of five. Lower sections are surrounded by embossed cartouches with a flower-shaped striking panel (tsuki'za). Dimensions: 25 inches tall and 15" inches diameter Date: early to mid 20th century Provenance: private Kyoto/Shiga area collection We will include a striker for your convenience. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We have handled dozens of authentic Japanese bronze bells over the years. Our president travels to Japan regularly and inspects each work of art guaranteeing authenticity. ●History of the Tsurigane (Hanging Bell) The tsurigane is a type of bell that developed in East Asia, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea, with the bonshō (Buddhist temple bell) being the most representative example. Its origins are very ancient: while large bells were not part of the original Buddhist culture in India, the prototype for these bells can be traced back to ancient China, where bronze bells such as bianzhong and nao were used in rituals and as musical instruments before the Common Era. Over time, these bells became larger and evolved into the form of hanging bells struck from the outside, a style that was transmitted to Japan via the Korean Peninsula. In Japan, from the Nara period (8th century) onward, large hanging bells began to be cast alongside the construction of major temples, with famous examples including the great bells of Tōdaiji and Chion-in. Beyond their use in temples, tsurigane also became deeply integrated into everyday life during the Edo period, serving as time signals for towns and as alarms for fires and other emergencies. Please call us or message us for more information or to reserve. About Our Bells "Voice of Buddha" The earliest bells date to around 600 AD, although the general design is of much earlier Chinese origin and shares some of the features seen in ancient Chinese bells. Their penetrating and pervasive tone carries over considerable distances. The sound of the bell is thought to have supernatural properties. It is believed, for example, that it can be heard in the underworld. In Japanese ceremonies, hanging bells are used for signaling during the prayer and for calling Buddhists to worship. In China, similar bells were employed in ensembles, where they represented the yin, or "receptive" principle, and were sounded after the beat of a large drum (yang, or "creative" element). The Japanese bonsho incorporates many symbolic motifs found in the Far East. The suspension loop (ryuzo) is formed by two dragon heads and a flame; the upper third contains nipples (nyu), symbols of fertility; and the barren field below (ikenomachi) provides a place for poetry or iconography. The chrysanthemum, a symbol of longevity and happiness, forms the striking surface (shuza). The bonsho may occasionally be heard in the kabuki theatre's off-stage ensembles. This bold sound brings to the Japanese people - the voice of Buddha- is even more impressive because of its incredibly thick walls . This bell' sound and voice of Buddha were undoubtedly used to deliver wishes to the temples patrons and followers.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Diameter: 15 in (38.1 cm)
  • Style:
    Showa (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    South Burlington, VT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1289244933462

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