An unusual find from Japan.

Japanese Antique Solid Cast Bronze Temple Bell Gonsho With handsome patina from great age. And a bold sound.

Dating to the late Meiji period, It is cast in solid bronze in a hard to find medium scale. This temple bell Bonsho was sourced from an old Northern Japanese collection earlier this year.

This bell possesses a fine original green patina.

Dimensions: Bell is 18 inches tall and 11 inches wide

We will include a complimentary striker as well (photo)

Quality: Fine 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 much 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 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.
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.