Page 16 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

1 | A BRONZE TEMPLE BELL, The earliest bells date to around 600 AD, although the general
BONSHO, DATED 1754 design is of much earlier Chinese origin and shares some of the
features seen in ancient Chinese bells. Their penetrating and
Japan, dated 1754, Edo period (1615-1868) pervasive tone carries over considerable distances, which led to
their use as signals, timekeepers and alarms. In addition, the sound
of the bell is thought to have supernatural properties. It is believed,
Of archaic form, sharply cast with lotus petals and studs in the form for example, that it can be heard in the underworld.
of flower buds, the side engraved with an inscription dating the
present bell to the fourth year of the Horeki era (1751-1764), HEIGHT 41.5 cm
corresponding to 1754. WEIGHT 12.6 kg
Bonsho are large hanging bells, usually made from bronze, found Condition: Excellent condition with old wear, some nicks and dents
in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to summon the monks as well as casting flaws. The two holes at the top were possibly
to prayer and to demarcate periods of time. Rather than containing drilled later. Very fine patina.
a clapper, bonshō are struck from the outside, using either a Provenance: English private collection.
handheld mallet or a beam suspended on ropes.
Estimate EUR 2,000
Starting price EUR 1,000

An ancient bronze temple bell in situ at a location
near Nara’s Todaiji Temple, Japan

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