Japanese Large Blue Patinated Bronze Temple Bell With A Resonating Sound

For your meditation , or special garden display comes this handsome 20 inch tall bronze bell. Its original old and natural blue green patination belies its importance and rarity.

Hard to find with its attractive patina- this is an authentic indication that this bell had actually hung for quite some time and had been used functionally.

At the top, the handle (ryûzu) is crafted in the form of two mirrored dragon heads.
Around the upper portion of the bell, the pronounced bosses Fu (chi) are arranged in five rows of five. Lower sections are surrounded by embossed cartouches with a flower-shaped striking panel (tsuki’za).

Dimensions: 20 inches tall and 12″ inches diameter

Date: early 20th century
Provenance: private Kyoto/Shiga area collection

We will include a striker for your convenience.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We have handled dozens of authentic Japanese bronze bells over the years. Our president travels to Japan regularly and inspects each work of art guaranteeing authenticity.

Please call us or message us for more information or to reserve.

About Bonsho Bells “Voice of Buddha”

The earliest bells date to around 600 AD, although the general design is of much earlier Chinese origin and shares some of the features seen in ancient Chinese bells. Their penetrating and pervasive tone carries over considerable distances. The sound of the bell is thought to have supernatural properties. It is believed, for example, that it can be heard in the underworld.

In Japanese ceremonies, hanging bells are used for signaling during the prayer and for calling Buddhists to worship. In China, similar bells were employed in ensembles, where they represented the yin, or “receptive” principle, and were sounded after the beat of a large drum (yang, or “creative” element). The Japanese bonsho incorporates many symbolic motifs found in the Far East. The suspension loop (ryuzo) is formed by two dragon heads and a flame; the upper third contains nipples (nyu), symbols of fertility; and the barren field below (ikenomachi) provides a place for poetry or iconography. The chrysanthemum, a symbol of longevity and happiness, forms the striking surface (shuza). The bonsho may occasionally be heard in the kabuki theatre’s off-stage ensembles.

This bold sound brings to the Japanese people – the voice of Buddha- is even more impressive because of its incredibly thick walls . This bell’ sound and voice of Buddha undoubtedly used to deliver wishes to the temples patrons and followers.