A JAPANESE BRONZE TEMPLE BELL, 19TH CENURY

Very large, and heavy traditional bronze temple bell 梵鐘 (bonshô), boasting a rich dark patina and a resonant sound. The top handle, 竜頭 (ryûzu), is beautifully sculpted into the form of twin dragon heads. The bell’s upper section features prominently displayed bosses 乳 (chi) in four rows of four, each set within embossed cartouches, and includes at the lower edge a flower- shaped striking panel 撞座 (tsuki’za). Bonshô are integral to Japanese Buddhist temples, used for calling monks to prayer and marking time. Known also as tsurigane 釣り鐘 or ōgane 大鐘, these bells are a storied element of Buddhist practice in Japan. Height 57 cm.
Diameter 34 cm.
24.9 kg.