A VERY RARE BRONZE NETSUKE OF A TEMPLE BELL, BONSHO

A VERY RARE BRONZE NETSUKE OF A TEMPLE BELL, BONSHO

Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Rising from a gently flaring rim (koma no tsume) to a domed crown (kasagata) which is surmounted by a separately cast twin dragon loop handle (ryuzu). Decorated in high relief, the upper register with bosses (chi), which improve the resonance of the bell, the lower register with horizontal bands (tatsuki) and a pair of striking panels on either side in the form of chrysanthemums (tsuki-za). One side with a loose ring cord attachment issuing from a chrysanthemum head serving as the himotoshi.

HEIGHT 6.4 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities.

Bonsho are large hanging bells, usually made from bronze, found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, used to summon the monks to prayer and to demarcate periods of time. Rather than containing a clapper, bonsho are struck from the outside, using either a handheld mallet or a beam suspended on ropes.

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, 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, for example, that it can be heard in the underworld.