Temple bell, I think...

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by Laura C, Apr 15, 2023.

  1. Laura C

    Laura C New Member

    I got this at a garage sale for $1. The lady said it had been her mother-in-law's in China and that her dad had it in his yard for many years. I did some googling and it looks like a Japanese or Buddhist Temple bell. I wasn't able to find one with the big (Japanese?) words on the side like this one has. It is about 9 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide. Maybe bronze? Does anyone know where it is from and how old it might be? If anyone can translate it, that'd be wonderful. Thanks!

    IMG_8943.jpg IMG_8944.jpg IMG_8945.jpg IMG_8946.jpg IMG_8947.jpg IMG_8948.jpg
     
    Laura C, Apr 15, 2023
    #1
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  2. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Sorry can’t be of much help. But think you right about the buddhist temple bell. Seems to be a version of:
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonshō

    I know nothing about age and authenticity (but other more knowledgeable members will know) I would think is was made as a smaller replica display item. These Bonshō bells seems to be quite large. But also it does look as if your bell could be bronze.

    Anyway it’s cool and Wow a great bargain buy for only $1! (great stuff)! How heavy is it?
     
    Boland, Apr 15, 2023
    #2
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  3. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    Looks like theres some age there. Its lovely in its simplicity. Dignified.
     
    johnnycb09, Apr 15, 2023
    #3
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  4. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Agreed..
     
    Boland, Apr 15, 2023
    #4
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  5. stracci

    stracci Well-Known Member

    Its a Japanese temple bell. Cool!
     
    stracci, Apr 15, 2023
    #5
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  6. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    A special piece, no question...Thanks, and Welcome!
     
    wlwhittier, Apr 15, 2023
    #6
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  7. Laura C

    Laura C New Member


    It weighs a little over 4 pounds. (I had no idea what it was when I bought it. It just looked really old and unique. I asked the lady if she was sure she wanted to sell it. She said yes, she didn't have a place for it.)
     
    Laura C, Apr 15, 2023
    #7
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  8. cxgirl

    cxgirl Well-Known Member

    Welcome to the forum Laura, that is a very nice piece:) Hope someone can translate it for you.
     
    cxgirl, Apr 16, 2023
    #8
    Lucille.b likes this.
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