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Nikkō and Gakkō Bodhisattvas Temple Bell, Bunsei Era 1822

About the Item

This remarkable Buddhist temple bell is an authentic piece of spiritual history, cast in 1822, during the Bunsei era. Adorned with the august symbols of Nikkō and Gakkō, the Bodhisattvas of the Moon and Sun, this bell is a symphony of form and function steeped in religious symbolism. At the summit of the bell, forming the loop, two intricately molded dragons reach towards a divine pearl, a representation of spiritual wisdom and the pursuit of enlightenment. This emblematic loop is not merely decorative but symbolizes the dynamic nature of the cosmos and the eternal chase for the sacred gem of truth. It is also inscribed with the temple name it belonged to, located in Hyogo Prefecture, temple name was Myojuji. The bell is decorated with two symbols of Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattawas, attendants of Amida Buddha. Temple was destroyed during the late Edo, early Meji era unrest. The rarity of this bell is further emphasized by the clear date and the inscription of the temple to which it originally belonged—a feature that offers a direct connection to its venerable past. Despite its age, the bell still resonates with a sound that is both clear and profound, carrying with it the echoes of its history. Some recent paint splashes mar its surface, yet these are superficial and can be removed to restore the bell to its former distinction. As a collector's piece, this bell represents a fusion of artistry, history, and spiritual significance—a rare find that resonates with the heritage of Buddhist practice and the exquisite craftsmanship of Japan's Bunsei period artisans.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.9 in (48 cm)Diameter: 11.82 in (30 cm)
  • Style:
    Edo (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1822
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Fukuoka, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8121239392002

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