ANTIQUE SET 4 JAPANESE MEIJI BRONZE TEMPLE GONG BELL (03/06/2011)...

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ANTIQUE SET 4 JAPANESE MEIJI BRONZE TEMPLE GONG BELLS

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ANTIQUE SET 4 JAPANESE MEIJI BRONZE TEMPLE GONG BELLS

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Sold Date: 03/06/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

I am relisting this auction because the International bidder who won the auction would not pay the shipping charges to Australia. I just purchased this strand of four (4) graduated temple bells from a local estate sale in Central Virginia. The graduated set of bells date from the MEIJI ERA in Japan and were used as temple gongs. I believe that these are hand forged bronze and they have an old dark patina, but I am not an expert so please look at the photographs for further reference. They all are decorated with elaborate etching that appears to be mountains, trees and clouds encircling the bells. The rims are also decorated. The Meiji Era started in 1868 and extended to 1912 and represented the first half of the Empire of Japan. Meiji means Enlightened Rule and promised to replace evil customes with the just laws of nature. The bells are rung to promote harmony and eliminate stress. The bells are struck with a wooden bell striker(attached) and the resonant tones linger. The bells are connected with rope and fit inside one another when stored. The largest bell is 8" in diameter and 4" in height, the second is 6 3/4" in diameter and 3" high, the third is 5 1/4" in diameter and 2 1/2" high and the smallest is 4 1/4" in diameter and 2" high. The bells are in good condition, but there are some tiny paint spots on the largest. I have not tried to remove them. The third bells has one ding and a few small chips along the inner edge. This hanging set would be a nice addition to any collection of Asian antiques or temple bells and the beautiful sounds would bring harmony to any home.