Bell-shaped Dotaku

The ceremonial bronzes or Dōtaku are the first production of bronzes in Japan. The bronze work techniques travelled from China through Korea. These bells were associated to agrarian rituals, probably used to give rhythm to the rice harvest. They were buried in isolated locations, hidden then forgotten during the numerous wars that have shaped Japan.

This forty centimeter high bell dates back to middle Yayoi period. The handle is decorated by ranges with different patterns including saw-tooth wa

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