Decorative bell - Japan - Fire Brigade Award Bell
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Heavy cast-iron commemorative bell from Japan, in the shape of a bonshō with a dragon-head crown, 21 × 12.5 × 12.5 cm and 1,694 g, Showa 49 (1974) inscription for long years of fire-service dedication; vintage brown and in good condition with minor aging signs.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a heavy cast iron bell made in Japan, cast in the shape of a traditional temple bonshō. At the top is a ryūzu (dragon-head crown) reminiscent of a dragon, and the body features decorations characteristic of a bonshō — rows of raised knobs called nyū, vertical dividing lines, and a lotus flower motif in the striking area (tsukiza).
Cast into the body are the characters "消防 永年勤続" (Fire Service Long Years of Dedication), the date "November 3, 1974" (Showa 49), and the name of the then-Governor of Miyagi Prefecture, Sōichirō Yamamoto. This tells us that the piece is not a bonshō intended for actual use, but rather a commemorative and award bell created to honour long years of service in the fire brigade.
The base is flat, allowing the bell to stand stably on its own without a stand. Given its highly decorative cast iron construction and commemorative inscription, this piece holds greater value as a collector's item or interior display object than as a functional bell.
Dimensions
Height: 21 cm
Width: 12.5 cm
Depth: 12.5 cm
Weight
1694 g
Condition
Age-related rust is visible across the surface of the cast iron, and a single vertical seam (a line resembling a weld mark) runs along the side, which appears to be either from the original casting or from an old repair. No sound test has been carried out, and the item is listed as a decorative piece.
Additional Information
Origin: Japan
Material: Cast iron
Period: Showa era; confirmed as Showa 49 (1974) by the cast inscription
Provenance: A commemorative bell created to honour long years of service in the fire brigade, bearing the name of the then-Governor of Miyagi Prefecture
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateItem Description
This is a heavy cast iron bell made in Japan, cast in the shape of a traditional temple bonshō. At the top is a ryūzu (dragon-head crown) reminiscent of a dragon, and the body features decorations characteristic of a bonshō — rows of raised knobs called nyū, vertical dividing lines, and a lotus flower motif in the striking area (tsukiza).
Cast into the body are the characters "消防 永年勤続" (Fire Service Long Years of Dedication), the date "November 3, 1974" (Showa 49), and the name of the then-Governor of Miyagi Prefecture, Sōichirō Yamamoto. This tells us that the piece is not a bonshō intended for actual use, but rather a commemorative and award bell created to honour long years of service in the fire brigade.
The base is flat, allowing the bell to stand stably on its own without a stand. Given its highly decorative cast iron construction and commemorative inscription, this piece holds greater value as a collector's item or interior display object than as a functional bell.
Dimensions
Height: 21 cm
Width: 12.5 cm
Depth: 12.5 cm
Weight
1694 g
Condition
Age-related rust is visible across the surface of the cast iron, and a single vertical seam (a line resembling a weld mark) runs along the side, which appears to be either from the original casting or from an old repair. No sound test has been carried out, and the item is listed as a decorative piece.
Additional Information
Origin: Japan
Material: Cast iron
Period: Showa era; confirmed as Showa 49 (1974) by the cast inscription
Provenance: A commemorative bell created to honour long years of service in the fire brigade, bearing the name of the then-Governor of Miyagi Prefecture
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Weight
1694 g
Title additional information
Fire Brigade Award Bell
Number of objects
1
Material
Iron
Country of origin
Japan
Style
Vintage
Colour
Brown
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
21 cm
Width
12.5 cm
Depth
12.5 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
