Skip to main content
Advanced Search
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
Location
  • Gallery Location   Gallery 26
Text Entries
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