A special find from our recent Japanese Acquisitions

A beautiful bell with original blue green patina with rich gilt surfaces with Buddha images and including its original black lacquer signed storage box tomobako.

Found in Japan, this Chinese antique solid cast bronze temple bell Bonsho with adorned Buddhas possesses a beautiful original handsome gilt patina from age. It was undoubtedly highly treasured and likely a special commissioned bell memorialized by its signed, black lacquer storage box tomobako.

Cast over one hundred years ago during the Qing dynasty- it is cast in solid bronze with fine accentuated details – much more robust than normal Chinese bronze bells of this age. This special temple bell has a handle of dragon heads called ryuzu, exagerated lengthy protrusions called chi chi or nyu to improve resonance of sound, and with protruding, tsuki-za, striking panels.

Please note its truly lovely patina and wonderful Buddha images.

This temple bell Bonsho was sourced from an old Japanese collection this year.

This bell possesses an original dark patina carefully originating from years of use, just the way we like to find them.

Dimensions: Bell is 9 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide. The lacquered measures 10 inches high and 7.5 inches wide

Pleasing ring.

Quality: Heavily cast with thick walls, fine patina, old and original surface casting marks are visible which is not unusual for these instruments

Photographed in natural day light.

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 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.