Japanese Set of 4 Graduated Temple Bells with Dragon Motif

Four bells, nested like a family of hats.

This set of four graduated temple bells with a dragon motif was made in bronze in Japan in the 20th century. Temple bells and bowl-shaped bells are commonly associated with Buddhist ritual and are often struck to mark parts of a service. The four domed bells stack one upon another, each a little smaller than the last. Pale silver-toned inlay in a dragon design wraps around each dark body, and woven cord loops hang from the sides. A knotted cord tops the stack.

A tidy stack, sound and sculpture in one.