Unique Discovery

Japanese rare and beautifully cast Buddhist Bronze Temple bell inscribed with the temple name, dated 1765, and with a remarkable inscribed passage by Jou Rin, a monk, from a Buddhist verse from the “Sutra of Eternal Life.”

The Inscription can be translated :

“If I try to satisfy my countless mundane desires , I will never achieve enlightenment. If I try to fulfill all of my countless dreams, I will certainly fail to come to the illustrious path of perfection. I must become a perfect practitioner of the infinite wealth of dharma. How can I ever achieve the final goal of life and Divine Enlightenment?

Signed: Jou Rin ( monk who inscribed the bell)
Temple: Saikokuji templ Hizen Arita.
Maker: Taniguchi Kichizaburo
Dated: November 1765.
Dimensions: 18 inches tall and 11 inches diameter and 25 pounds in weight

Material: Bronze with a pleasing naturally developed patination- just the way we like to find them.

Beautiful deep resonating ring tones await the new owner of this rare signed work of art 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.

A rare and unique survivor, this superb bell emits a soothing sound .

Its deep resonating sound is guaranteed to please you.

We will also include a complimentary hand striker.

Unique.

Only One.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

Our gallery based in Newport, Rhode Island USA has been dealing in authentic Pre-Columbian, Japanese and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels across America as well as 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.

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.