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

Includes an old signed collector storage box, tomobako.

This caste antique bronze fire bell size form came out of an old Kyoto collection. The unusual size combined with it’s “double dragon” loop design make it an unusual offering. With its handsome warm chocolate patina from good age and decades of gentle use, we date this lovely bell to the late 19th century.

Please examine the detailed design of this impressive bell.

Dimensions: Bell is 7 inches tall and 4 inches wide
Quality: Fine warm chocolate brown patina, old and original surface
details makes for an unusual collecting opportunity.

We will include a complimentary striker.

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 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.