For your special garden setting or indoor display space.

Big Hand Cast Bronze Bell Bold pleasing, and resonating sound.

21 Inches Tall.

Handsome original old green patina- just the way we like to find them.

Signed by patron donors in two areas.

Beautiful deep resonating ring tones await the new owner of this big one-of-a-kind vintage bronze bell from old Japan. Its beautiful natural patina makes it an attractive and desirable work of art. This distinctive dragon headed bell called ryuzu and remarkable protrusions called chi chi or nyu are crafted by generations old skilled Japanese specialists to improve sound resonance and are unique to Japan’s ancient traditions.

This antique hand cast bronze temple bell dates to the Taisho period, early 20th century.

A scarce survivor, this rugged bell was gently used.

Please note its impressive cast dragon headed top ryuzu, thick walls and original dark patina.

Dimensions: 21 inches tall and 11 inches diameter. It has been used and possesses an original green aged patina appropriate to its age.

Its deep resonating sound is guaranteed to please you.

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 thick walls (see photo). This bell sound and voice of Buddha was used to deliver wishes to the temples patrons and followers.

We will also include a complimentary hand striker.

Unique. Good garden consideration.
Only One.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

We have been dealing in fine authentic Japanese art and antiques including screens, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for many years. Our president personally travels to Japan each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique to ensure its old age, authenticity, and quality condition.

More 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.