Call bell - Indonesia - Temple bell with Singha

Javanese temple bell made of bronze

This elegant bronze temple bell was crafted in the classical style of the ancient Majapahit Empire.

The stocky bell body with finely crafted Lotus and Pearl borders displays the typical design language of Javanese ritual bronzes. The bell is crowned by an expressively designed mythical guardian figure (Singha/Kala), whose raised arms and powerful expression served as a protective symbol.

The bell has the original, hand-forged bronze chain as well as the clapper from the same period.
When struck, the bell produces a clear, deep, and warm sound, characteristic of temple ceremonies.

The interior patina has a very beautiful bluish-green hue and visible age-related wear of the bronze body.

Details
Origin: Java, Indonesia.
Material: Bronze
Height: 27 cm (bell), 43 cm with chain
Weight: 1,765 g

Condition: authentic patina, age-appropriate, beautiful, full sound

meaning

Examples of stylistically comparable Majapahit temple bells can be found in auction literature, including Christie's (Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian art), where original bells from the 13th–14th centuries are listed.

Provenance
Previously acquired from an antique shop; previously from the estate of a European private collection.