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Ritual bell with five-pronged handle (Sanskrit: ghanta; Japanese: gokorei)
Ritual bell with five-pronged handle (Sanskrit: ghanta; Japanese: gokorei)

Ritual bell with five-pronged handle (Sanskrit: ghanta; Japanese: gokorei)

Place of OriginJapan
Date1200-1333
PeriodKamakura period (1185-1333)
MaterialsBronze with gilding
DimensionsH. 1 1/2 in x W. 7 1/2 in x D. 1 1/2 in, H. 3.8 cm x W. 19 cm x D. 3.8 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60B357.b
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsMetal Arts
On View
On view
LocationGallery 26
More Information
In Japan the ringing of the ritual bell fixes the attention of practitioners as an aid in guiding them to enlightenment. The five-pronged handle of this bell is decorated with lotus petals and the central part with protruding ovals, which are the remnants of demon faces (kimen).
Subject
  • bell
  • Buddhism
  • thunderbolt