Japanese Antique Bronze Buddhist Cloud Bell Chime Unban
$750.00
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A rare one-of-a-kind find
Japanese Antique Bronze Zen Buddhist Cloud Bell “Unban” or Shrine Chanting Bell “Kei.”
The first we have seen , this enigmatic cloud shaped bell “unban” was a special creation for Buddhist services.
Un means cloud and Ban means its shape. So this is a very special bell in cloud shape.
The complimentary hardwood striker generates a peaceful resonating sound guaranteed to please you.
In Buddhism, some ritual implements “bon’ongu” (Buddhist instruments) were special works of art crafted to produce specific sounds. These include familiar Buddhist instruments such as bells which sound from bell-towers on temple grounds. Other Buddhist instruments include unban (“cloud-shaped”) gongs, which are hung both inside and outside temple buildings. Sound serves as transitions within services and rituals, and also to mark the tempo of processions. These mystical sounds appear to be rooted in the belief that sound inspires heightened sense of reverence and awakens faith in the hearts of believers.
We are pleased to offer our first antique bronze “Unban” and have mated it with a later old bronze display stand..
Please note its truly lovely patina and wonderful cloud with heart cut out images. This unban possesses an original dark patina carefully originating from years of use just the way we like to find them.
Dimensions: Unban bell is 6.25 inches tall and 10.75 inches wide and nearly one quarter inch thick. With stand both measure 11 inches high.
Pleasing ring.
Quality: Finely and heavily cast with fine patina, old and original surface and casting marks are visible which is not unusual for these old instruments
Please view an ancient unban or Kei from the Heian 12th century period in the Tokyo museum LAST PHOTO.
Photographed in natural day light.
History of Japan’s temple bells:
Rather than containing a clapper, kei and unban are struck from the outside, using either a handheld striker or mallet .
Antique Japanese bronze temple bells have a handle of dragon heads called ryuzu, protrusions called chi chi or nyu and to improve resonance of sound, protruding, tsuki-za, striking panels and in some instances possess a mei-bun inscription of the bell’s history.
Bonsho or Buddhist bells known as tsurigane (hanging bells) or great bells are large bells found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to summon the monks to prayer. The Genroku period in Japanese history, is an era from 1688-1704, and characterized by a rapidly expanding commercial economy and the development of a vibrant urban culture centered in the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Edo (Tokyo).
Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. We are members of NAJGA- the North American Japanese Garden Association.
Our gallery based in Newport, Rhode Island USA has been dealing in authentic Pre-Columbian, Japanese and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels across America as well as Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.
Item Details
- Dimensions: N/A
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