Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Japan, Room 45, The Toshiba Gallery

Bell

1450-1550
Place of origin

These objects would have been used in rituals by priests of the Tendai and Shingon sects of Buddhism. The ringing of the bell awakens in the listener the seeds of enlightenment and their inherent Buddha-nature. The sound of it fading represents the Buddhist belief in the transitory nature of the world. The ‘thunderbolt’ symbolises the destruction of the carnal desires that hinder the attainment of enlightenment.


Object details

Category
Object type
Brief description
Met, Japan, RITUAL OBJECTS MISC, BRASS
Buddhist ritual bell, gilded bronze, Japan, 1450-1550.
Dimensions
  • Height: 178mm (Note: Measurement taken from register, converted from inches. )
  • Diameter: 76mm (Note: Measurement taken from register, converted from inches. )
Gallery label
Bell and ritual thunderbolt Bell 1450–1550 Ritual thunderbolt handle about 1400; finials 1700–1800 These objects would have been used in rituals by priests of the Tendai and Shingon sects of Buddhism. The ringing of the bell awakens in the listener the seeds of enlightenment and their inherent Buddha-nature. The sound of it fading represents the Buddhist belief in the transitory nature of the world. The ‘thunderbolt’ symbolises the destruction of the carnal desires that hinder the attainment of enlightenment. Gilded bronze Bell: Gift of Dr W.L. Hildburgh FSA Museum nos. M.349-1928; M.170-1928 (04/11/2015)
Summary
These objects would have been used in rituals by priests of the Tendai and Shingon sects of Buddhism. The ringing of the bell awakens in the listener the seeds of enlightenment and their inherent Buddha-nature. The sound of it fading represents the Buddhist belief in the transitory nature of the world. The ‘thunderbolt’ symbolises the destruction of the carnal desires that hinder the attainment of enlightenment.
Collection
Accession number
M.349-1928

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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