Description

Antique Japanese large Buddhist temple bell (bonsho) with relief details of apsara (celestial beings). The large handle is in the traditional form of dragon heads and upper protrusions called Chi or Nyu improves the resonance of the sound when struck.
In large writing is the phrase Namu Amida Butsu (“I take refuge in Amitābha Buddha”) 南无阿弥陀佛. There is also a line from the Longer Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra: 正覚大音響流十方 Shо̄gaku daion kо̄ru jippо̄ “The great voice of the Enlightened One resounds throughout the ten directions”. The bell is marked as having been cast by О̄chi Sahei (黄地佐平) in the town of Kotо̄ (currently part of Higashiōmi City) in Shiga Prefecture.

Dimensions: 47 1/2″ high x 23″ wide