Decorative bell - Japan - 2 Tokyo Decorative Bell
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Description from the seller
2 items in this lot
Item Description 1
This item is a commemorative novelty piece produced during the Showa era, presented as a non-commercial gift to mark the 45th anniversary of Dai-Tokyo Fire & Marine Insurance (now Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance). It features a design modelled after a bonshō (temple hanging bell), and it is significant piece remembering the great fire and the heroic fire fighters.
The bell is cast from a bronze-toned alloy and has a satisfying, substantial weight. The surface faithfully reproduces the decorative elements found on actual bonshō: the top of the rounded lid features a design modelled after a ryūzu (dragon-head hanging loop), while the body is decorated with nyu (nipple-like protrusions) and segmented band patterns. The interior is hollow when the lid is removed, making it suitable for use as a small storage vessel, seal (hanko) case, paperweight, or decorative object.
Cast into the exterior are the characters "大東京火災" (Dai-Tokyo Fire) on one side, and "創立四十五周年" (45th Anniversary of Founding) on the other, confirming its identity as a corporate commemorative piece of the huge fire disaster and it's heros.
Dimensions
Height: 13 cm
Width: 7.6 cm
Depth: 7.6 cm
Weight
502 g
Condition
A uniform blue-green patina (verdigris-toned finish) and minor signs of use are present, attributable to age and storage; however, no cracks, chips, or structural damage are visible upon close inspection.
Additional Information
Origin: Corporate commemorative item issued by Dai-Tokyo Fire & Marine Insurance (now Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance)
Period: Showa era
Material: Cast metal with bronze-toned finish
Item Description 2
This is a small decorative incense holder cast in the shape of a traditional Japanese temple bell (bonshō), bearing the inscription "三井寺" (Mii-dera), referencing the historic temple in Shiga Prefecture famous for its bell. The piece is finished in a green patinated tone and features raised relief decoration typical of temple bell casting, including a studded upper band, floral roundel medallions, and a dragon-form suspension loop (ryūzu) at the top, fitted with a braided cord.
The lower portion of the body functions as a tube-shaped cavity that opens from the base, designed to hold incense sticks, with a small weighted clapper suspended inside on a cord and hook, echoing the form of an actual temple bell's striking mechanism. The piece stands on a flat circular base plate.
This is a vintage item that has been kept in home storage; as noted by the previous owner, minor surface scuffs and light wear consistent with age and handling are present, though nothing that detracts significantly from its display appeal.
Size
Height: 9.5 cm
Width: 5.5 cm
Depth: 5.5 cm
Weight
294 g
Condition
Overall condition is good, with light surface scratches and minor marks from age and home storage, consistent with a well-kept vintage decorative item. No major damage is visible in the available images.
Additional Information
Type: cast metal incense holder / incense tube in the form of a Buddhist temple bell (bonshō), inscribed with the name of Mii-dera Temple
Material: cast metal with green-toned finish
Origin: Japan
Includes: braided cord attachment with suspended weighted clapper inside the tube cavity
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 Translate2 items in this lot
Item Description 1
This item is a commemorative novelty piece produced during the Showa era, presented as a non-commercial gift to mark the 45th anniversary of Dai-Tokyo Fire & Marine Insurance (now Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance). It features a design modelled after a bonshō (temple hanging bell), and it is significant piece remembering the great fire and the heroic fire fighters.
The bell is cast from a bronze-toned alloy and has a satisfying, substantial weight. The surface faithfully reproduces the decorative elements found on actual bonshō: the top of the rounded lid features a design modelled after a ryūzu (dragon-head hanging loop), while the body is decorated with nyu (nipple-like protrusions) and segmented band patterns. The interior is hollow when the lid is removed, making it suitable for use as a small storage vessel, seal (hanko) case, paperweight, or decorative object.
Cast into the exterior are the characters "大東京火災" (Dai-Tokyo Fire) on one side, and "創立四十五周年" (45th Anniversary of Founding) on the other, confirming its identity as a corporate commemorative piece of the huge fire disaster and it's heros.
Dimensions
Height: 13 cm
Width: 7.6 cm
Depth: 7.6 cm
Weight
502 g
Condition
A uniform blue-green patina (verdigris-toned finish) and minor signs of use are present, attributable to age and storage; however, no cracks, chips, or structural damage are visible upon close inspection.
Additional Information
Origin: Corporate commemorative item issued by Dai-Tokyo Fire & Marine Insurance (now Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance)
Period: Showa era
Material: Cast metal with bronze-toned finish
Item Description 2
This is a small decorative incense holder cast in the shape of a traditional Japanese temple bell (bonshō), bearing the inscription "三井寺" (Mii-dera), referencing the historic temple in Shiga Prefecture famous for its bell. The piece is finished in a green patinated tone and features raised relief decoration typical of temple bell casting, including a studded upper band, floral roundel medallions, and a dragon-form suspension loop (ryūzu) at the top, fitted with a braided cord.
The lower portion of the body functions as a tube-shaped cavity that opens from the base, designed to hold incense sticks, with a small weighted clapper suspended inside on a cord and hook, echoing the form of an actual temple bell's striking mechanism. The piece stands on a flat circular base plate.
This is a vintage item that has been kept in home storage; as noted by the previous owner, minor surface scuffs and light wear consistent with age and handling are present, though nothing that detracts significantly from its display appeal.
Size
Height: 9.5 cm
Width: 5.5 cm
Depth: 5.5 cm
Weight
294 g
Condition
Overall condition is good, with light surface scratches and minor marks from age and home storage, consistent with a well-kept vintage decorative item. No major damage is visible in the available images.
Additional Information
Type: cast metal incense holder / incense tube in the form of a Buddhist temple bell (bonshō), inscribed with the name of Mii-dera Temple
Material: cast metal with green-toned finish
Origin: Japan
Includes: braided cord attachment with suspended weighted clapper inside the tube cavity
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
502 g
Title additional information
2 Tokyo Decorative Bell
Number of objects
1
Material
Bronze
Country of origin
Japan
Style
Vintage
Colour
Green
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
13 cm
Width
7.6 cm
Depth
7.6 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
