Bells, Gongs and the Wooden Fish

Japonista Dictionary › Objects

Sound is part of Japanese Buddhist practice: it marks the hours, opens and closes rites, keeps the rhythm of chanting and carries prayers outward. The instruments that make it, from the great bronze temple bell to the small bowl bell of the household altar, are some of the most evocative objects a collector can own.

The great temple bell

The bonshō (梵鐘) is a massive bronze bell hung in its own tower and struck from outside with a swinging log, producing a deep, long-lasting tone. Its surface is cast with a grid of bosses and panels, and with two lotus-shaped striking seats. The bell of Tōdaiji dates from the eighth century; the bell of Mii-dera is famed in legend. On New Year's Eve, temples strike their bells one hundred and eight times to dispel the passions, joya no kane. Many bells were melted for metal during the Second World War, which makes older survivors precious.

Bells and gongs of the hall

• Rin. A bronze bowl bell on a cushion, struck with a small baton at the household altar or in temple chanting. See Butsugu.
• Kei. A flat bronze gong in the shape of a cloud or butterfly, hung in a frame and struck during rites. Heian examples are cast with peacocks and lotus.
• Inkin. A small bell on a wooden handle, carried in procession.
• Waniguchi. A flattened bronze gong hung over the entrance of a hall, sounded by pulling a thick rope.
• Dora. A flat gong used in ceremonies.

The wooden fish

The mokugyo (木魚), a round hollow drum of wood carved as a fish, sometimes with a pair of dragons holding a jewel, keeps the beat of chanting in Zen and other temples. Because fish never close their eyes, the fish stands for unsleeping attention. In Zen and Ōbaku monasteries, a long wooden fish board, gyoban or hō, hangs in the corridor and is struck to call monks to meals.

Collecting notes

• Kei, rin and small bells are collected for their casting, patina and tone. Cracks, which spoil the sound, should be checked by striking gently.
• Mokugyo of fine carving, with dragon or fish heads and a good resonant tone, are appealing sculptural objects.
• Temple bells are freight-only pieces; see our guide to large pieces.

In the collection

Browse altar implements, ritual metalwork and the altars and religious objects collection. Our collector concierge can search Japan for temple bronzes.

See also

• Vajra and Esoteric Ritual Implements
• Glossary of Buddhist Objects
• Meiji bronzes and Takaoka casting