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 |
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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 created | June 25, 2009 |
Record URL |
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