Found! Japanese Giant Bronze Bell 45 Inches Tall

About the Item

Massive Japanese Bronze Bell Inscribed and dedicated to humanity. At the top, the handle (ryûzu) is crafted in the form of two mirrored dragon heads. Around the upper portion of the bell, the pronounced bosses Fu (chi) are arranged in five rows of five. Lower sections are surrounded by embossed cartouches with a flower-shaped striking panel (tsuki'za). The attractive patina and some colour-variations are an authentic sign that this bell has actually hung outside the temple for quite some time and has been used functionally. History: Many large Japanese bronze temple bells were requisitioned and smelted by the government before and during WWII. This huge bell bonsho was cast after the war to replace a previously requisitioned temple bell. Massive dimensions: 45 inches tall and 27" inches diameter, about 850 pounds. Cartouches' inscription reads: Date: Showa 22 (1947) Inscribed : Honshoji Temple, Showa 22 (1947), Made By Nishizawa Yoshitaro For your special garden display or meditation setting comes this huge 45 inch tall bronze bell. Its original old and natural green/blue patination belies its importance and rarity. Beautiful deep resonating ring tones await the new owner of this one-of-a-kind master work. Unique. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We have handled dozens of authentic Japanese bronze bells over the years. Our president travels to Japan regularly and inspects each work of art guaranteeing authenticity. This masssive seldom found bell size is one-of-a-kind and is now in our Kyoto warehouse awaiting shipment. Please call us or message us for more information or to reserve. 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 incredibly thick walls . This bell' sound and voice of Buddha undoubtedly used to deliver wishes to the temples patrons and followers.

Dimensions:

Height: 45 in (114.3 cm)Diameter: 27 in (68.58 cm)

Style:

Showa (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Bronze,Cast,Hand-Crafted

Place of Origin:

Japan

Period:

Mid-20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1947