An unusual find from Takayama during our recent acquisitions trip to Japan.

This superbly caste antique red bronze fire bell size form came out of an old Kura and a generations old Takayama Edo roots family collection. The unusual undulating base combined with It’s vertical shields, horizontal Greek key patterns, horses design along with a thin fine dragon top ring suggest a Chinese influenced work of art. However, coming from an old Edo family collection and it’s superb casting suggests a samurai bronze expert’s eye and detailed execution. With its handsome chocolate patina from good age, though clearly cast as a prized work of art to admire owning as one would a Picasso, and not necessarily for functional use, we date this lovely bell to the late 19th century. It is an impeccable bronze master work from Meiji and will offer its new owner hours of of pure eye candy enjoyment.

Please examine the detailed design of this impressive bell.

Dimensions: Bell is 8 inches tall and 7 inches wide
Quality: Fine patina, old and original surfaces, finest of finely cast details makes for an unusual collecting opportunity.

History of Japan’s temple bells:

Rather than containing a clapper, -bonsho- is struck from the outside, using either a handheld mallet or a beam suspended on ropes.

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 centred in the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Edo (Tokyo).

Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. All our Asian works of art are accompanied by our lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

Our gallery based in Shelburne, Vermont USA has been dealing in authentic Japanese , Chinese, and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. The president personally travels to China, 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.

We are members of the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) specializing for ten years now in old and authentic Japanese stone garden ornaments.