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Japanese Antique Bronze Temple Bell Buddhist Bonsho Traditional H15.4in 8kg 034

Condition : Antique USED. Please check the images for details.

Size : approx. W9.9 × H18.4 × D5.9 cm

Weight : approx. 665ｇ

●History of the Tsurigane (Hanging Bell)
The tsurigane is a type of bell that developed in East Asia, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea, with the bonshō (Buddhist temple bell) being the most representative example. Its origins are very ancient: while large bells were not part of the original Buddhist culture in India, the prototype for these bells can be traced back to ancient China, where bronze bells such as bianzhong and nao were used in rituals and as musical instruments before the Common Era. Over time, these bells became larger and evolved into the form of hanging bells struck from the outside, a style that was transmitted to Japan via the Korean Peninsula.

In Japan, from the Nara period (8th century) onward, large hanging bells began to be cast alongside the construction of major temples, with famous examples including the great bells of Tōdaiji and Chion-in. Beyond their use in temples, tsurigane also became deeply integrated into everyday life during the Edo period, serving as time signals for towns and as alarms for fires and other emergencies.

●The Appeal of the Tsurigane
The Beauty and Spirituality of Their Sound
The resonance of a tsurigane carries a deep, lingering tone that can be heard over great distances, leaving a profound impression on the Japanese psyche. The sound is imbued with Buddhist meanings such as impermanence and enlightenment, and it is believed to calm the mind and dispel worldly desires. The tradition of ringing the bell 108 times on New Year’s Eve—Joya no Kane—to purify the 108 earthly desires is widely practiced and well-known.

Cultural and Artistic Value
Tsurigane are also admired for their artistic beauty and decorative motifs. Each bell features unique designs, such as dragon heads, lotus patterns, and protrusions called chi, reflecting the artistic trends of their era and region. These bells have inspired literature and the arts, appearing in kabuki, haiku, and legends—for example, the bell in the Noh play “Musume Dōjōji” and Masaoka Shiki’s haiku about the bell at Hōryū-ji.

Their Role in Daily Life
Before the widespread use of clocks, tsurigane played a vital role in marking time for communities, following the traditional Chinese system of dividing the day into 12 periods and ringing the bell every two hours. They also signaled the start and end of agricultural work, as well as emergencies, making them an essential part of daily life.

Reappraisal in Modern Times
Today, tsurigane remain symbols of temples and are cherished as cultural assets and tourist attractions. Their soothing tones are increasingly valued for their calming effects in modern, stressful society, and many people continue to find solace in their sound.

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