Kenchoji Temple: Bell

JAPAN, Kanagawa, Kamakura; Kamakura period

This bell was completed on the decree of Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate to pray for the peace of the nation. It is 210.6 cm high and 125.5 cm in diameter. The inscription on the bell was composed by Chinese monk Lanxi Daolong, also known as Rankei Doryu in Japan, the founder of the temple. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1953.
The crown is in the form of twin dragons, surmounted by a flaming jewel. The bell curves gently from the shoulder to the edge, both of which have bands of floating clouds and scroll leaf patterns. There are four panels on the upper section of the bell, each with studs arranged in five rows and seven columns. The raised boss is surrounded by 8 lotus petals with 17 lotus seeds inside.