{"product_id":"japanese-vintage-1986-buddhist-temple-bell-style-signed-bonsho","title":"Japanese Vintage 1986 Buddhist Temple Bell Style Signed Bonsho","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful and highly detailed Japanese vintage 1986 Buddhist temple bell-style sculpture, inspired by the traditional form of the Japanese Bonshō (梵鐘).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compact bell features an impressive amount of traditional decorative detail, including a dragon-form suspension fitting, raised ornamental bosses, geometric and scrolling patterns, decorative bands, and Japanese-style inscriptions cast into the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece has a deep green-blue aged patina, giving it the appearance of naturally aged bronze. However, based on visual inspection alone, the exact metal composition cannot be confirmed, so we do not make an unsupported claim that it is solid bronze. The surface may instead be a patinated cast metal or another metal finished to resemble aged bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly interesting feature is the marking on the lower body. The close-up photograph clearly shows the number “1986”, together with an additional stamped\/seal-like mark beneath it. This provides a useful date reference for the piece and is an important detail for collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional Japanese Bell Design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design follows the visual language of Japanese Buddhist temple bells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional Japanese bonshō are large suspended bells found at Buddhist temples and were historically used to signal prayer and mark periods of time. They are normally cast with elaborate decorative elements, including raised bosses, ornamental bands, inscriptions, and distinctive suspension fittings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe raised circular bosses seen on traditional Japanese bells are known as nyū. They are arranged as decorative and functional elements on the bell body. Museum documentation also records the use of dragon-form suspension fittings and raised bosses on Japanese ceremonial bells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example reproduces those traditional features on a much smaller scale, making it suitable for private display, Japanese cultural collections, meditation spaces, studios, or Buddhist-inspired interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Beautiful Piece of Japanese Metalwork\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface is covered with intricate raised decoration rather than being a simple plain bell. The dark green patina contrasts beautifully with the raised designs, allowing the patterns to stand out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall design includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDragon-inspired suspension handle\u003cbr\u003eRaised circular bosses (nyū)\u003cbr\u003eGeometric and scrolling ornament\u003cbr\u003eDecorative horizontal bands\u003cbr\u003eRaised inscriptions and symbols\u003cbr\u003eDeep green-blue patinated surface\u003cbr\u003e1986 date marking\u003cbr\u003eAdditional stamped\/seal-like mark\u003cbr\u003eTraditional Japanese Buddhist bell styling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to the provenance provided, this piece was sourced from a Japanese Government Antique Auction in Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant Historical Note\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe term Bonshō (梵鐘) properly refers to the large bells traditionally associated with Buddhist temples in Japan. Authentic temple bonshō can be extremely large and are often several meters in height and many hundreds or thousands of kilograms in weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis listing therefore describes the present object as a miniature Japanese bell in the traditional Bonshō \/ Buddhist temple-bell style, rather than claiming that this particular small bell was installed or used at a Buddhist temple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photographs show the actual object being offered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good vintage condition with an attractive aged patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bell displays beautifully, with a rich green-blue patinated surface and strong definition across the raised decorative details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are minor surface variations and signs of age consistent with a vintage cast-metal object. The patina appears intentionally aged or naturally developed over time, but the exact method of finishing cannot be confirmed from photographs alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1986 marking and additional stamped mark are visible on the lower section, as shown in the close-up photograph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully. They show the actual piece and are an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem: Japanese Buddhist Temple Bell-Style Sculpture\u003cbr\u003eJapanese term: Bonshō (梵鐘) style\u003cbr\u003eDate: 1986, based on visible marking\u003cbr\u003eCountry: Japan\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Cast metal; exact composition unconfirmed\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Green-blue patina\u003cbr\u003eDesign: Traditional Japanese Buddhist temple bell form\u003cbr\u003eDecoration: Raised bosses, ornamental bands, inscriptions and scrolling motifs\u003cbr\u003eMarking: “1986” and additional stamped\/seal-like mark\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Japanese Government Antique Auction\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Very good vintage condition with aged patina and minor surface wear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisplay Ideas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts compact scale makes this piece especially versatile compared with full-size Japanese temple bells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would make an interesting addition to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapanese Buddhist-inspired interiors\u003cbr\u003eMeditation rooms\u003cbr\u003eZen-style spaces\u003cbr\u003eHome offices\u003cbr\u003eJapanese antique collections\u003cbr\u003eAsian art displays\u003cbr\u003eSpiritual or cultural spaces\u003cbr\u003eWabi-sabi interiors\u003cbr\u003eBookshelves and display cabinets\u003cbr\u003eCollectors of Japanese metalwork\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can be appreciated purely as a decorative object, while also offering an opportunity to explore the history and visual language of Japanese Buddhist temple bells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a vintage Japanese decorative bell modeled after the traditional Bonshō form. We have not represented it as an original temple-installed bell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact metal composition has not been professionally tested and is therefore not being represented as solid bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll photographs are of the actual item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📢 Important Shipping Policy Update\u003cbr\u003eTo ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.\u003cbr\u003eOrders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Condition\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Timeless Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59794644107550,"sku":"Q23","price":232.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/3998\/6462\/files\/JapaneseVintage1986BuddhistTempleBellStyle1.jpg?v=1786930378","url":"https:\/\/www.realtimelessvintage.com\/products\/japanese-vintage-1986-buddhist-temple-bell-style-signed-bonsho","provider":"Real Timeless Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}