An Antique And Large High-quality Bronze Bonshō

An antique and large bonshō (Buddhist temple bell) in high-quality bronze, made in the Edo period and dated 1754 (the fourth year of the Hōreki era).

At the center appears the vertical inscription in relief with the devotional formula of the Pure Land schools (浄土宗 / 浄土真宗):
南無阿彌陀佛 – Namu Amida Butsu, an invocation addressed to Amida Buddha.

The inscriptions within the rectangular panels read:

宝暦四年 甲戌 春日 – Spring, 1754
北勢鈴鹿都和田庄 – Village of Wada, Suzuka district, present-day Mie Prefecture
御鋳師 菴藝住 安保常次 – The master founder Abo Tsuneji

In the upper section appear the traditional protuberances 乳 (chi), arranged in four rows of four, while the handle 竜頭 (ryūzu) depicts two confronting dragon heads, symbols of strength and wisdom, modeled with care and precision.

Period: Edo, 1754 (fourth year of the Hōreki era)
Dimensions: 65 × 38 cm
Weight: 30.6 kg
Condition: Excellent, with its original patina preserved