The Kura - Japanese Art Treasures

Robert Mangold has been working with Japanese antiques since 1995 with an emphasis on ceramics, Paintings, Armour and Buddhist furniture.

Early Edo p. Bronze Shinto-Shrine Wishing Bell, 1670


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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1700: Item # 1448574

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The Kura
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23 Murasakino Monzen-cho
Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
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A bronze bell dated Kanbun 10 (1670) which would have been suspended in front of a Shinto shrine worship hall, and struck with a knotted rope to awaken the gods to listen to one’s prayers. Inscribed in the surface around dials of lotus flowers is: An auspicious day in the 7th month of Kanbun 10, followed by the names Honda Yasutoki Ko and Hiramoto Sukeyuki opposite a dedication to the god of water the Hachidairyu-jin followed by a place name near Awazu in modern day Shiga prefecture. The Hachidairyu-O or eight headed dragon king (god) is a creature who controls water and is enshrined in the sacred place of Takachiho, in Kyushu, with branch shrines throughout Japan. Roughly 26 cm (10-1/2 inches) diameter and weighs 3.4 kg (7.5 pounds). There is a scratch in the backside, (see close-up photos) otherwise it is in excellent original condition with two casting flaws which have become pin holes in the upper back. The combination of Buddhist and Shinto Iconography is certainly a point of interest with Japanese religious ideology.