For your special garden setting or indoor display space

Big Hand Cast Bronze Bell With Patron and Donor Inscriptions

Bold pleasing sound

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 blue gray 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 vintage hand cast bronze temple bell dates to the middle Showa period, mid 20th century..

A rare survivor, this rugged bell was gently used .

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

Dimensions: 25 inches tall and 13 inches diameter. It has been used and possesses an original aged patina appropriate to its age-just the way we like to find them.

Its deep resonating sound is guaranteed to please you. This beautiful bell is currently in our Kyoto warehouse awaiting shipment.
We will also include a complimentary hand striker.

Unique. Great garden consideration.

Only One.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

We have been dealing in fine authentic Japanese 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.

History of Japan’s temple bells, bonsho :
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. Now in our Kyoto warehouse awaiting our July container shipment.