An unusual and unique find from Japan.

It is prolifically signed with donor’s sacred dedication engraved on its side.

Cast in solid bronze in a hard to find medium size scale, our bell dates to the Meiji period, 19th century.

It possesses a prolific signed dedication and inscription.

This temple bell Bonsho was sourced from an old Northern Japanese collection late last year. Early temple inscriptions like these are uncommon and often elaborate the donor family name and temple name.

This bell possesses a Fine original green used patina.

Dimensions: Bell is 15 inches tall and 9 inches diameter.

Thick walls.

We will include a complimentary striker as well (photo)

Quality: Fine dark patina, old and original surface casting marks are visible which is not unusual for these instruments

This bell is a hard to find in this size; most found today are larger and heavier in scale.

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 rare 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 of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee.

We have been dealing in authentic Japanese and Chinese Fine art, antiquities, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. The president personally travels to Japan and China 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. After accumulating a group, they are imported to Vermont and Maine in large containers. This method keeps shipping costs low and enables us to offer them to you at reasonable prices. We carefully pack and ship to clients all-over the USA and at reasonable shipping costs.