Kalasan Temple: Bell

INDONESIA, Yogyakarta, Sleman; Central Java period (circa 7th–13th century)

This bronze bell was excavated from Kalasan Temple in 1927. It is the largest of its kind in Indonesia, measuring 57.5 cm high and 43 cm in diameter.
The lip of the bell is thick and rounded, and the sound rim is decorated with incised lines and lotus petals. The waist has a stepped design, followed by a plain surface and a bead pattern. In the upper part, there is a raised band with intricate medallions decorated with flame-like designs; they are linked by a string of beads on which there are birds with outstretched wings. The crown is in the form of a stylized lion seated on a lotus. It appears wrathful with its mouth open revealing large fangs, and its right paw is raised exposing sharp claws. On the back of the lion, there is a ring from which the bell is suspended.