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Japanese Rare Big Signed Antique Bronze Temple Bell Emits Voice Of Buddha, 25"

Price:$2,600

About the Item

One of a kind find Bonsho bronze temple bell with unusual side panel markings, and old patron signatures - a rare Buddhist temple survivor from the early 20th century. Emits The Voice Of Buddha- Its Resonation Is Guaranteed to Please You. Please view our video. This thick bronze bell is richly decorated with beautiful casting designs. 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 early example a rare survivor. Large dimensions: 25 inches tall and 14" inches diameter, approximately 60 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 larger scale 25 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 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 undoubtedly used to deliver wishes to the temples patrons and followers.

Dimensions:
Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Diameter: 14 in (35.56 cm)
Style:
Edo (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Cast,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
South Burlington, VT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1289246835572

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