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

This unusual tall handled caste antique bronze bell size form came out of an old Japanese antiques collection. The unusual tall slim bottle neck form combined with It’s typical coiled dragon top, and a Chinese influenced Tao-tie face motif and striker buttons suggest a South Asian, possibly Himalayan influenced work of art. With its handsome patina from good age, we date this interesting bell to the 19th century.

Please examine the detailed design of this unusual and impressive bell.

Dimensions: Bell is 12.75 inches tall and 6.25 inches wide

Quality: Fine patina, old and original surfaces, finest of finely cast details makes for an unusual collecting opportunity. Striker accompanies.

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.