Antique Burmese Mandalay Buddhist Temple Bell

Details

Description

19th century Burmese, Mandalay bronze temple bell with carved hardwood stand, iron hanging bracket, and wood hand striker. This rare … Read more 19th century Burmese, Mandalay bronze temple bell with carved hardwood stand, iron hanging bracket, and wood hand striker. This rare cast bronze bell has a sculptural and spiritual presence.

The offering of a bronze bell to a monastery or temple was considered second only to the offering of a Buddha image as an act of merit (kutho).

Such bells were cast using the lost wax (cire perdue) method. Casting of such bells was auspicious with specific rituals being performed by the caster and sponsors to ensure the appropriate blessings.

The bell here, as with all such Burmese bells, does not have a clapper. It was designed to be struck from the outside by the wooden striker. When such bells were struck in a temple (itself a meritorious act), onlookers traditionally would responds with cries of ‘thadu, thadu!’ (‘well done, well done!)

It is of classic bell shape with several rows of engraved concentric circles and two upper rows of lappet-like lotus petals. The upper section of the bell has been cast with a pair of chin-thei (Burmese lions) which guard the holding ring.

The hanging bracket is attached to the bell by means of an iron rod which passes through the holding ring.

The iron hanging bracket has been cast separately to the bell. It has been elaborately cast with two outward looking mythical figures to either side whose tails interlock over the bell and the entire structure

Measurements
The bell and attachment are 28"height with 14" diameter.

The stand is 45"height X 13.5width X 48"length.

Weight
Bell: 100 lbs.
Hanging loop and pins: 5 lbs.
Stand, pillars, and mallet: 50 lbs.

Condition
This is a weathered and used bell; with splits to support columns; with some pitting, oxidation with minor wear; hanging loop and pin made of iron, showing rust. See less