Items Similar to Japanese Giant Antique Bronze Temple Bell Bonsho Special Early Inscriptions, 27"
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
Japanese Giant Antique Bronze Temple Bell Bonsho Special Early Inscriptions, 27"
$4,800
£3,625.28
€4,187.76
CA$6,762.52
A$7,242.66
CHF 3,893.60
MX$87,966.31
NOK 49,197.57
SEK 45,044.03
DKK 31,290.25
About the Item
Unique Bronze Bell
One of a kind find bronze bonsho temple bell- with an unusual scalloped crest, side panel markings, rare bottom band pattern castings, and early patron signatures - a rare Buddhist temple survivor from the middle 19th century.
This thick bronze bell is richly decorated with unusual casting designs- the first we have seen..
Please view our video.
Rare inscriptions on this amazing bell are dedications and patron names to the persons associated with the temple or shrine where this majestic bell once was suspended.
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).
The attractive patina and some color variations are an authentic sign that this bell has actually hung outside the temple for quite some time and had been used functionally.
History:
Many large Japanese bronze temple bells were requisitioned and smelted
by the government before and during WWII which make this huge early example a rare survivor.
Giant dimensions:
27 inches tall and 15" inches diameter, approximately 100 lbs
●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.
For your special garden display or meditation setting comes this huge 27 inch tall bronze bell. Its original old and natural green patination belies its importance and rarity. Beautiful deep resonating ring tones await the new owner of this one-of-a-kind master work. We will include a striker as shown in photographs.
Unique.
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.
Please call us or message us for more information or to reserve this special bell.
About The 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 undoubtedly used to deliver wishes to the temples patrons and followers.
- Dimensions:Height: 367 in (932.18 cm)Diameter: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Style:Edo (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:South Burlington, VT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1289246835562
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1990
1stDibs seller since 2015
2,427 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Charlotte, VT
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllJapanese Huge Bronze Bell With Double Inscription, 28"
Located in South Burlington, VT
Huge Japanese Bronze Bell Doubly Inscribed - a rare survivor from the 20th century.
Rare inscriptions are dedications and patron names to the persons associated with the temple or s...
Category
20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Japan Antique Large Bronze Temple Bell With Pleasant Sound, Double Signed, 25"
Located in South Burlington, VT
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Big Antique Bronze Temple Bell With Pleasing Sound, Signed, 25"
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japanese Large 25" Tall Patinated Bronze Temple Bell With A Resonating Sound Guaranteed to Please You
The inscribed donor's Kanji script makes this bell special.
For your meditat...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Japanese Rare 19th Century Antique Bronze Fire Bell - Unique Family Heirloom
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare Bronze Antique Fire Bell With Unique Family History And Provenance
One of a kind fine bronze "Hansho" fire bell . This rare bell was used by t...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Massive Bronze Peace Bell 45 Inches Tall
Located in South Burlington, VT
Massive Japanese Bronze Bell "Tsurigane" Inscribed and dedicated to peace and humanity, 1947.
Please view our video.
Pleasing resonating sound awaits you with this oversized bronze...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Japan Antique Large Blue Bronze Bell With Pleasing Sound 20"
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japanese Large Blue Patinated Bronze Temple Bell With A Resonating Sound
For your meditation , or special garden display comes this handsome 20 inch tall bronze bell. Its original ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
$1,920 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Heavy, Japanese bronze temple bell 梵鐘 (bonshô) of traditional shape
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A heavy traditional bronze temple bell (bonshô), boasting a bright green patina and a resonant sound.
The top handle (ryûzu), is beautifully sculpted into the form of twin dragon he...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Temple Bell
Located in Tarrytown, NY
This 19th C. Japanese Buddhist bronze temple or monastery bell, features a stylized two-headed dragon loop handle at top, four studded panels at shoulde...
Category
Antique 19th Century Tibetan Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Bell, India, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Bronze bell. India, 20th century.
Bell made of bronze with a tall body and an oval base, almost rectangular in height, which has an elaborate upper part with smooth areas and figure...
Category
20th Century Indian Other Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Large Buddhist Bronze Temple Bell with Dragon Motifs and Inscription, 18th Centu
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This stunning and unusually large Japanese Buddhist bronze temple bell dates to the 18th century and is richly decorated with two finely cast dragons in high relief. The bell bears a...
Category
Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Religious Items
Materials
Bronze
An antique and large high-quality bronze bonsho
Located in Milano, IT
An antique and large bonshō (Buddhist temple bell) in high-quality bronze, made in the Edo period and dated 1754 (the fourth year of the Horeki er...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Japanese Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Large Meiji Period Bronze Japanese Vase
Located in New York, NY
A substantial and beautifully decorated antique Japanese bronze vase in archaic style.
The urn-shaped body is supported on a recessed base, with a rounded shoulder and a short neck ...
Category
Early 20th Century Vases
Materials
Bronze
