Antique Japanese Bronze Temple-Style Bell / Taisho-Showa / Hanging Bell, Patina

Details

Description

This is a cast bronze hanshō (fire bell), thought to have been made in Japan during the Taisho era to … Read more This is a cast bronze hanshō (fire bell), thought to have been made in Japan during the Taisho era to early Shōwa period, roughly the first half of the 1900s.

A hanshō is a smaller version of the large temple bell known as a bonshō, traditionally hung at fire watchtowers (hinomiyagura), temples, and shrines, or at crossroads within villages. It was used to mark the time of day and, more importantly, to sound the alarm in the event of fire or other emergencies. The tradition traces back to the culture of the bonshō, which arrived in Japan from the Asian continent together with Buddhism; a smaller, more portable version that could be easily hung and rung developed into what is now known as the hanshō. From the Edo period onward in particular, hanshō came to play an important role as fire and crime-prevention "alarm bells" (hayagane) for towns, and they became an indispensable fixture in villages and fire brigade stations throughout Japan.

At the top of this piece is a loop in the shape of a dragon's head, known as a ryūzu, used for hanging the bell. Far more than a simple handle, the dragon motif carries the traditional belief that dragons summon rain and water, and the design is thought to embody a wish for protection against fire. Around the upper part of the body, rows of small raised bosses called chi are arranged in an orderly grid — a decorative element carried over from the traditional design of the bonshō.

The surface is covered in a deep, calm green patina known as rokushō, showing the kind of character that only comes with age. In places, streaks of reddish-brown, iron-like rust can be seen running down the surface; this is thought to have come from the iron fittings or beams from which the bell was once hung, with rust washing down onto the bronze surface over years of exposure to rain. Such iron rust marks are far from uncommon on bells of this kind — if anything, they serve as evidence of the many years this piece spent hanging outdoors, under the eaves, exposed to the elements.

The decoration is understated rather than showy, but the form of the dragon-head loop and the orderly arrangement of the bosses — all cast into the mold — clearly reflect the skill and aesthetic sense of the foundry craftsmen of the time. Solid and substantial in size, and still manageable to carry by hand, it nonetheless commands a striking presence. Placed in a collection room, living room, or entryway, it becomes an eye-catching focal point that anchors the space, and set in a hotel lounge or an Asian-inspired restaurant, it would serve as a truly symbolic piece.

The condition is good, with no noticeable cracks or major damage. Lift it and give it a light tap, and it rings with the clear, resonant tone characteristic of metal bells — making it a wonderful choice not only for display, but for anyone who wants to actually enjoy the sound of the bell itself.

Size: Diameter 31.4cm × H51.5cm
Weight: 20.4kg
Item No.: CO042

【About us】

We mainly sell old Japanese items, but also items from around the world.
We have seen tens of thousands of items so far.
Using that experience, we list appealing items here.
This is something we can do because of our long experience.
If you are looking for something special, we encourage you to purchase it on our site. See less