Japanese Antique Cast Iron Bell Fudaku Hidden Kirishitan Inscribed Edo Period

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Japanese Antique Cast Iron Bell Fudaku Hidden Kirishitan Inscribed Edo Period

This is an antique Japanese cast iron bell historically used as a Fudaku (temple wind chime). Based on the casting characteristics and the style of the inscriptions, this piece is estimated to date from the Edo period (17th–19th century).

The hexagonal form with scalloped lower edges follows a lineage of bells often associated with the history of Hidden Christians (Kakure Kirishitan) in Japan. The characters "樂浪" (Rakurou) and "富貴" (Fuki) are cast directly into the iron surface. The design also shows visual similarities to artifacts preserved in the Sawada Miki Memorial Hall (Sawada Miki Kinenkan) collection. The heavy oxidation and deep pitting are consistent with historical cast iron objects of this era.

Size:
Height: 23.0 cm / 9.1 in
Width: 17.0 cm / 6.7 in
Depth: 10.0 cm / 3.9 in
Weight: 1937 g / 4.27 lbs

Condition:
The item shows strong signs of age, including a thick dark rust patina and natural surface wear consistent with Edo period ironware. The internal clapper (zetsu) remains intact and is suspended by a wire. A small glass paperweight with a handwritten label is included with the set.

Please check the photos carefully for details.