{"product_id":"antique-japanese-cast-iron-hanging-bell-with-raised-kanji-characters-bosa63","title":"Antique Japanese Cast Iron Hanging Bell with Raised Kanji Characters BOSa63","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an antique Japanese cast iron hanging bell, accompanied by a wooden mallet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bell has a compact and substantial form, with a scalloped lower rim, a suspension fitting at the top, and several circular openings around the upper section. The exterior is decorated with raised linear bands and large raised kanji characters on four sides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the characters are relatively clear, including \u003cstrong\u003e“大”\u003c\/strong\u003e and a character that appears to be \u003cstrong\u003e“帝.”\u003c\/strong\u003e Another character appears to resemble \u003cstrong\u003e“廟”\u003c\/strong\u003e or the simplified form \u003cstrong\u003e“庙,”\u003c\/strong\u003e although heavy corrosion makes the exact reading uncertain. Because of this, the complete inscription cannot be identified with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe presence of these characters suggests possible influence from Chinese religious or cultural traditions, including imagery or terminology associated with temple worship, but the precise meaning of the full inscription remains unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bell is made entirely of cast iron and has developed a deeply aged surface with extensive natural oxidation and rust. The irregular casting texture, worn raised decoration, and strong patina give it a powerful rustic character typical of old Japanese ironwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was likely used as a hanging or signaling bell, although its exact original function is unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wooden mallet is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeight: approx. 17 cm \/ 6.7 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: approx. 15 cm \/ 5.9 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: approx. 15 cm \/ 5.9 in\u003cbr\u003eWeight: approx. 2200 g \/ 4.85 lbs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe bell is in antique condition and shows extensive rust, oxidation, surface wear, and corrosion throughout. Some of the raised characters and decorative details have become difficult to read due to age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe suspension rings and fittings also show heavy oxidation and wear. The wooden mallet has scratches, discoloration, small chips, and age-related wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine the photographs carefully for the condition, inscriptions, and details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- End: AuctivaCounter --\u003e\n\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\"\u003e.aucCounter a { text-decoration:none; }.aucCounter span:hover { text-decoration:underline; }.aucHiddenCounter { display:none; }.aucCounterOrangeText { color:#FB6D05; font-family:Arial; Font-size:13px; Font-weight:bold; }.aucCounterBlueText { color:#0068ac; Font-family:Arial; Font-size:11px; }\u003c\/style\u003e","brand":"koedo-sun-art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":71183210414333,"sku":"BOSa63","price":255.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/0774\/4253\/files\/57_a3ff28f8-a32b-4d7b-bdb9-377a0ddee09b.jpg?v=1787621751","url":"https:\/\/koedo-sun-art.com\/fr\/products\/antique-japanese-cast-iron-hanging-bell-with-raised-kanji-characters-bosa63","provider":"koedo-sun-art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}