Sensei custom built this traditional style bell house and used a found 1950s propane tank to make the bell. It also has a dogwood log for the striker.
Handcrafted Traditional Japanese Bells
The inspiration for the look and feel for my designs comes from reference material of traditional antique Japanese temple bells known as Tsurigane or Bonsho. These bells can be found all over Japan in Buddhist Temples. I prefer to create bells with simple motifs that look as if they have been around for some time, have a story to tell and not look as if they have come out of a gift shop. Even though my cast bells are seemingly identical each bell goes through a lengthy and labor-intensive process which makes every bell a unequally individual piece of art. The bell pictured above is 9.25" to the top and imperfections have an intentionally been left in. This comes from the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi which embraces the beauty of imperfection. This along with adding the appearance of wear and an aged patina give each bell a since of history. This is something I strive to achieve in all of my artwork.
My Bell story
This is one of my first handcast traditional Japanese bonsho.
For years, I have been making Zen style garden bells from recycled oxygen tanks. I have enjoyed making and sharing each of them. Over the years I have sent these bells all over the US and Canada. In 2017, I was invited to Japan to see how traditional Japanese bonsho (temple bells) were traditionally made by hand. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The process used is amazing as each bell is made to order from scratch using a centuries old bell casting method. On my last day in Japan, I stood in front of the Oigo Bell factory, the place I had been studying bell making and told the artisans at the factory that I would return home and use what I had learned to cast my own traditional Japanese bonsho from scratch as it is done in Japan. I returned home and completely started over rethinking my approach to bell making using the knowledge that I had been given. I spent the next two years working out this process. It has taken a lot of study, hard work, and determination. There have been many setbacks, some expected while others were out of my control. This was due to expense and scale. However, I didn't let that stop me and I can now say that I have kept my word and have designed and cast my own traditional Japanese bell based on all of the information that I was given while in Japan.
From the beginning, I had always known that I wouldn't be able to make a bell on the scale of the massive temple bells I had seen while in Japan. The average weight is about 2 tons for most bonsho while other are as heavy as 50 tons. However, there are smaller versions that I could start with. Instead, I set my goal on making a bell closer to the sizes of what I have been accustomed. The bell that was presented to me (around 12 to 13 inches tall) by Motoi-san on the day I left to come home is closer to my target size. I am not at full scale yet, but I have made a lot of progress of which I am happy with.
From the beginning, I had always known that I wouldn't be able to make a bell on the scale of the massive temple bells I had seen while in Japan. The average weight is about 2 tons for most bonsho while other are as heavy as 50 tons. However, there are smaller versions that I could start with. Instead, I set my goal on making a bell closer to the sizes of what I have been accustomed. The bell that was presented to me (around 12 to 13 inches tall) by Motoi-san on the day I left to come home is closer to my target size. I am not at full scale yet, but I have made a lot of progress of which I am happy with.
Furin
Traditional Japanese Wind Chimes
My wind chimes start at $100.00 ea. + shipping and are around 3" plus in height. Each bell is a one of and are each hand cast in pewter and brass. The plastic wind catcher is 6.5" long. I have a few around the dojo that tinkle in the wind that I am very happy with and love to hear ringing. They always remind me of my time in Japan. I offer several different versions of these small bells.
These small bells should be hung out of the weather under the eve or on a porch where they can catch the breeze. Other than the peace and calming effect that ringing of a bell has there are claims that you feel cooler on a hot summer day after listening to the ringing of these bells. Historically it was also believed that these bells warded off evil and epidemics. That works for me too!
Below you will find pictures of my very first design along with each of my other traditional designs that I have created so far. Each of these designs are based on full size bells that can be found in Japanese Buddhist Temples all over Japan.
These small bells should be hung out of the weather under the eve or on a porch where they can catch the breeze. Other than the peace and calming effect that ringing of a bell has there are claims that you feel cooler on a hot summer day after listening to the ringing of these bells. Historically it was also believed that these bells warded off evil and epidemics. That works for me too!
Below you will find pictures of my very first design along with each of my other traditional designs that I have created so far. Each of these designs are based on full size bells that can be found in Japanese Buddhist Temples all over Japan.
Zen Style Bells
and Wind Gongs
These are handcrafted Zen style garden bells, which are made from old recycled steel oxygen and propane tanks. As mentioned before this has been a relaxing hobby of mine for years as I make each of these bells myself. The tanks I use for these bells have been increasingly hard to come by so when I do have them they do not last very long. The average size of these bells are approximately 14” to top of ring and from 8" to 9” inches diameter depending on the tank that I have available. Each of these size bells will weigh about 30 to 45 lbs. I can make a custom bell in the length and finish of your choosing. Keep in mind that larger bells will weigh considerably more. I make both round and square top designs. Because of the different shapes, sizes, wall thicknesses, and lengths, each bell will have its own unique sound. My personal favorites are the ones made from the oxygen tanks. These bells have a beautiful long peaceful Zen style ring much like a gong.
Pictures of some of my bells in their new homes
A couple of customer videos of my bells.
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Any of these bells would look very nice adding a touch of traditional detail to any Japanese, Zen Garden or private area hanging by the gate, a pond or in a secluded meditation area. There are several different sizes of bells throughout our dojo garden. I have placed one of the Zen bells just outside our dojo gate which is there for each student who wants to stop, take a private moment to clear their thoughts, and leave the troubles of the day outside before entering the dojo grounds. Ringing the bell with 3 slow rings is done to wake the warrior spirit that lies within each student and prepare them for training. I have also built another much larger version inside the gate in front of the dojo based on designs of Bansho, temple bells found in Japan. It is rung each day before training to wake the dojo and prepare us for learning. I also have several of my windchimes hanging inside the dojo gate as well as by the dojo front door. These catch the breeze and offer up a wonderful cool calming sound.
Please check out the "Sensei's Garden Art" page for more of my work. There you will find other Japanese garden, structure and bridge details the I have handcrafted for my garden and dojo. There may be other garden pieces there that you have been serching for.
Check out the video below. If you have any questions or even comments please feel free to call me at (864) 895-7773 or click the "contact us" button bellow send me an email. You can alos click the "shop" button to see If I have any bells avaiable right now.
Please check out the "Sensei's Garden Art" page for more of my work. There you will find other Japanese garden, structure and bridge details the I have handcrafted for my garden and dojo. There may be other garden pieces there that you have been serching for.
Check out the video below. If you have any questions or even comments please feel free to call me at (864) 895-7773 or click the "contact us" button bellow send me an email. You can alos click the "shop" button to see If I have any bells avaiable right now.
Japanese Bansho
In 2017 I took a trip to Japan to learn more about traditional bell making. Click on the link below to see pictures and learn more about my experience in Japan and plans I have for future bells.
The kane (bell) picture on the left is located at Hikone Castle which was constructed in 1607.
In 2017 I took a trip to Japan to learn more about traditional bell making. Click on the link below to see pictures and learn more about my experience in Japan and plans I have for future bells.
The kane (bell) picture on the left is located at Hikone Castle which was constructed in 1607.
Above is a map showing some of the places that I have sent my bells since I have started trying to keep track.