Japanese Bronze Buddhist Temple Bell and Mallet. Kanji on side translates to "Thank you, Amida Buddha."

Size (+ mallet): 4 X 4 X 7 in.

#5398 .

Bonsho, also known as tsurigane (hanging bells) or ogane (great bells) are large bells found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan. Rather than containing a clapper, bonsho are struck from the outside, using either a handheld mallet or a beam suspended on ropes. The bells are usually made from bronze, using a form of expendable mold casting. They are typically augmented and ornamented with a variety of bosses, raised bands and inscriptions. The earliest of these bells in Japan date to around 600 AD, although the general design is a modification of the bianzhong, a Chinese bell of much earlier origins. The bells play a crucial role in a variety of Buddhist services and rituals, particularly the Bon Festival. The sound of the bell is thought to have supernatural properties, offering peace and comfort to all sentient beings, even those in the Underworld. At the Japanese New Year people queue to ring the bells 108 times in a ceremony known as Joyanokane, with each peal intended to purge humanity of the 108 earthly temptations. This smaller version was likely decorative, for use in a residential home, or within a small monastery room to alert monks.

Location O5