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Bell with Pagoda-Shaped Handle (Tōrei) and Three-Footed Stand (Kongōban)

13th century
Not on view
Bells used in Esoteric Buddhist rituals often had handles shaped like vajra (thunderbolt) ritual tools with five prongs. This one, however, is equipped with a handle that represents a pagoda formed of the five elements of the cosmos. Earth, at the base, is a square; water a sphere; fire a pyramid; wind a half-moon; and air, at the peak, a jewel.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 塔鈴・金剛盤
  • Title: Bell with Pagoda-Shaped Handle (Tōrei) and Three-Footed Stand (Kongōban)
  • Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
  • Date: 13th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Gilt bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm); Diam. 3 1/8 in. (7.92 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.268.170
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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