Bonsho
Traditional Japanese Temple Bells
Japanese temple bells also known as tsurigane or bonsho are large bells found in Buddhist temples all across Japan. They would usually be in a specially designed structure call structure or tower called a shoro. These bells can be found in many different sizes with the larger ones weighing anywhere from two to fifty tons. They are used to summon monks for prayer, to indicate the time of day as well as for their calming effect suitable for meditation Other uses range from ringing in the new year to battlefield use,early warning alarms for fire and typhoons because of the range of the bells ring.
Rather that utilizing an internal striker more common in other parts of the world these bells are struck from the outside with a wooden mallet or a large wooden beam suspended by rope or chain.
Each of my hand cast bonsho are faithful traditional recreations of Japanese Temple bell designs. Because of the lengthy and labor-intensive process, it takes to create these traditional bells each will be commission based or be made in small batches. Because of this I can work with you to create a very custom personalized piece. However, you will also want to either keep checking back or contact me to see when I may have some coming available. Once posted these bells do not last very long. Each of these bells are a one of a kind. Based on traditional designs and methods I design, hand cast, and finish each one of these bells myself. Even though each piece is seemly identical to the others each of my bells require the same lengthy process which makes each piece a uniquely individual piece of art. This is where I find the joy and beauty of this art form.
If you see something on the page that you really like or have an idea for a custom personalized piece, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to work with you to create something special for you. Also enjoy some of the pictures below of bells I have created for others.
Rather that utilizing an internal striker more common in other parts of the world these bells are struck from the outside with a wooden mallet or a large wooden beam suspended by rope or chain.
Each of my hand cast bonsho are faithful traditional recreations of Japanese Temple bell designs. Because of the lengthy and labor-intensive process, it takes to create these traditional bells each will be commission based or be made in small batches. Because of this I can work with you to create a very custom personalized piece. However, you will also want to either keep checking back or contact me to see when I may have some coming available. Once posted these bells do not last very long. Each of these bells are a one of a kind. Based on traditional designs and methods I design, hand cast, and finish each one of these bells myself. Even though each piece is seemly identical to the others each of my bells require the same lengthy process which makes each piece a uniquely individual piece of art. This is where I find the joy and beauty of this art form.
If you see something on the page that you really like or have an idea for a custom personalized piece, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to work with you to create something special for you. Also enjoy some of the pictures below of bells I have created for others.
8.5" Bronze Temple bell
Can make Apon request.
Style: Bonsho 1
Design: Japanese "Bonsho" Temple Bell
Material: Bronze
Size: 8.5in x 5.75in
Weight: 10lbs
Cost: 1000.00+Shipping
This Temple bell, traditionally know as a Bonsho in Japanese has been hand cast in bronze and finished in a dark aged patina. It has the traditional hanger know as a ryuzu along with the tsuki- za (striking panels) in traditional lotus floral design. The design is that of the large, covered bells which are found in Buddhist temples all over Japan. It is approximately 8.5" to the top of hanging ring and 5.75" in diameter at the bottom. This particular bell is special to me as it is the first traditional design. This bell also comes with a traditional wooden striker.
This would be a nice traditional addition to any shrine, dojo, garden or special place set aside for meditation or reflection. The sound is very peaceful and calming as it rings. This bell comes with a wooden mallet as these bells are designed to be struck gently on the outside for the best sound. The mallet is approximately 9" tall and the striker is 4" finished in the Japanese burning technique known as Yakisugi.
Style: Bonsho 1
Design: Japanese "Bonsho" Temple Bell
Material: Bronze
Size: 8.5in x 5.75in
Weight: 10lbs
Cost: 1000.00+Shipping
This Temple bell, traditionally know as a Bonsho in Japanese has been hand cast in bronze and finished in a dark aged patina. It has the traditional hanger know as a ryuzu along with the tsuki- za (striking panels) in traditional lotus floral design. The design is that of the large, covered bells which are found in Buddhist temples all over Japan. It is approximately 8.5" to the top of hanging ring and 5.75" in diameter at the bottom. This particular bell is special to me as it is the first traditional design. This bell also comes with a traditional wooden striker.
This would be a nice traditional addition to any shrine, dojo, garden or special place set aside for meditation or reflection. The sound is very peaceful and calming as it rings. This bell comes with a wooden mallet as these bells are designed to be struck gently on the outside for the best sound. The mallet is approximately 9" tall and the striker is 4" finished in the Japanese burning technique known as Yakisugi.
9.25" Japanese Bonsho
Can make Apon request.
Style: Bonsho 2
Design: Japanese "Bonsho" Temple Bell
Material: Brass
Size: 9.25in x 5.5in
Weight: 11lbs
Cost: 1000.00+Shipping SOLD
This Temple bell, traditionally know as a Bonsho in Japanese has been hand cast in brass and finished in a dark aged patina. It has the traditional dragon head hanger know as a ryuzu along with the tsuki- za (striking panels) in traditional floral design. The design is that of the large, covered bells which are found in Buddhist temples all over Japan. It is approximately 9.25" to the top of hanging ring and just over 5.5" in diameter at the bottom. This particular bell is special to me as it is the first of my larger traditional designs as well as being featured on a Japanese Tv show that has been following my bell making.
This would be a nice traditional addition to any shrine, dojo, garden or special place set aside for meditation or reflection. The sound is very peaceful and calming as it rings. This bell comes with a wooden mallet as these bells are designed to be struck gently on the outside for the best sound. The mallet is approximately 9" tall and the striker is 4" finished in the Japanese burning technique known as Yakisugi.
Style: Bonsho 2
Design: Japanese "Bonsho" Temple Bell
Material: Brass
Size: 9.25in x 5.5in
Weight: 11lbs
Cost: 1000.00+Shipping SOLD
This Temple bell, traditionally know as a Bonsho in Japanese has been hand cast in brass and finished in a dark aged patina. It has the traditional dragon head hanger know as a ryuzu along with the tsuki- za (striking panels) in traditional floral design. The design is that of the large, covered bells which are found in Buddhist temples all over Japan. It is approximately 9.25" to the top of hanging ring and just over 5.5" in diameter at the bottom. This particular bell is special to me as it is the first of my larger traditional designs as well as being featured on a Japanese Tv show that has been following my bell making.
This would be a nice traditional addition to any shrine, dojo, garden or special place set aside for meditation or reflection. The sound is very peaceful and calming as it rings. This bell comes with a wooden mallet as these bells are designed to be struck gently on the outside for the best sound. The mallet is approximately 9" tall and the striker is 4" finished in the Japanese burning technique known as Yakisugi.
Quick video of this bell ringing
If you enjoyed these please click on one of the buttons below to check out the other bells and windchimes that I make or the "Contact Us" button to ask about avaibility or discus a custom bell.