Here’s a rare treasure from Japan and an unusual find- an excellent candidate to accent your indoor or outdoor garden space.

This is a superb antique bronze casting of a wonderful medium to large-scale temple bell complete with its original cloud form chime and clapper. This bell was sourced from an old Southern Japan collection and were one of a small group of these rare bells de-accessioned by a Southern Japanese temple community.

It dates to the end of the Meiji period and displays an impressive fine old patina with floral cut out heart motif.

It comes complete with its original cloud clapper- very unusual for bells with this combination, age, and fine quality.
Used for temple services, it sometimes called an Unban gong and is also hand made of bronze

These bells were often commissioned by wealthy families and donated as sacred gifts to temples and shrines on behalf of their family or in honour of a special family member. They may have also been used for utilitarian purposes such as summoning family members in private homes.

This bell possesses a beautiful original old patina which supports and highlights its generations old temple life.

Dimensions: Large 15.5 inches tall from top of bell to the bottom of the cloud clapper and 9 inches diameter

Tone: When gently struck it gives a nice ring. We will include a complimentary rubber striker to enhance your immediate enjoyment.

History of Japan’s temple bells:
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. Smaller bells are also used for other utilitarian purposes such as summoning for a meal.

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.