Large Japanese Bronze Buddhist Temple Bell Bonsho Ryuzu Antique

Large Japanese Bronze Buddhist Temple Bell – Bonshō with Ryūzu Dragon Handle

A beautiful and substantial Japanese bronze hanging bell, traditionally known as a bonshō (梵鐘) or tsurigane (釣鐘), sourced from a Japanese Antique Auction.

This impressive bell features the characteristic ryūzu (竜頭) suspension handle in the form of two intertwined dragon heads, an important traditional feature of Japanese Buddhist bells. The upper portion is decorated with raised bosses, while the main body displays beautifully cast decorative panels, raised relief patterns, and Japanese kanji inscriptions.

The bell has a rich aged bronze surface with a deep green-brown patina that gives it a wonderful antique character. The detailed casting can be appreciated throughout the body, including the decorative bands, raised bosses, relief motifs, and circular striking areas.

The bell is accompanied by its original wooden presentation/storage box, blue-and-white cord, yellow protective cloth, and wooden striker, as shown in the photographs.

This is a particularly attractive piece for collectors of Japanese Buddhist art, traditional Japanese metalwork, temple-related objects, antique bells, or Japanese garden décor.

Japanese temple bells are traditionally struck from the outside rather than using an internal clapper. The raised areas known as nyū (乳) or chi form part of the traditional structure of these bells, while the tsuki-za is the reinforced striking area.

Large Japanese bonshō have a long history in Buddhist temples, where they were used for signaling and marking times of prayer and religious observance. Their surfaces commonly feature inscriptions, decorative bands, bosses, and dragon-form suspension handles.

Highlights

✔ Large Japanese bronze hanging bell
✔ Traditional Bonshō / Tsurigane form
✔ Elaborate Ryūzu dragon-head handle
✔ Raised Nyū / Chi bosses
✔ Detailed cast decorative relief
✔ Japanese kanji inscriptions
✔ Aged green-brown bronze patina
✔ Original wooden storage/presentation box
✔ Original blue cord
✔ Yellow protective cloth
✔ Wooden striker included
✔ Sourced from a Japanese Antique Auction
✔ Exceptional decorative and collector's piece
✔ Suitable for Japanese garden or interior display

Additional Information
About Japanese Bonshō

Japanese Buddhist temple bells, or bonshō, are large suspended bells traditionally cast in bronze and struck externally with a wooden beam or mallet rather than containing a conventional internal clapper. Their characteristic form includes a dragon-shaped suspension fitting known as the ryūzu, raised bosses called nyū or chi, decorative horizontal and vertical bands, inscription panels, and reinforced striking areas.

The ryūzu at the top is one of the most recognizable features of Japanese temple bells. The raised bosses across the upper section are also a traditional element of the bell's construction and ornamentation.

Inscriptions on Japanese bells can record information such as dedications, patrons, dates, temples, or other historical information. For this reason, the kanji on this particular bell are an important part of its character and should be examined carefully by collectors who can read classical Japanese inscriptions.

Original Box & Accessories

The bell comes with the wooden box and accessories shown in the photographs. The box has handwritten Japanese calligraphy and is tied with a traditional blue-and-white cord.

A wooden striker is also included.

Please note that the box and accessories are vintage and show their own signs of age and handling.

Condition

Good antique/vintage condition with natural signs of age.

The bronze surface has developed an attractive aged patina, with areas of darker and lighter coloration consistent with age and previous use.

There are visible signs of age, including surface wear, oxidation/patina, minor marks, scratches, casting irregularities, and other small imperfections.

The wooden box also shows age-related wear, discoloration, marks, and handling consistent with an older Japanese storage box.

The yellow cloth and cord likewise show signs of age.

Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs show the actual bell, box, striker, cloth, and accessories included with the purchase.

I have not professionally translated or certified every inscription on the bell, so I am not making a specific claim regarding the original temple, donor, date, or religious dedication unless confirmed by documentation.

Important Note

This is a substantial bronze object. If displayed hanging, please use a properly rated, secure mounting system capable of safely supporting the weight of the bell. Do not rely on a decorative hook or lightweight household hardware.

Approximate Item Information

Type: Japanese bronze hanging bell / Bonshō
Japanese: 梵鐘 / 釣鐘
Handle: Ryūzu dragon-head suspension fitting
Material: Bronze
Finish: Aged natural patina
Included: Bell, wooden box, blue-and-white cord, yellow cloth, wooden striker
Source: Japanese Antique Auction
Era: Antique / vintage Japanese piece — exact date not confirmed
Country of Origin: Japan

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📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.