鐘の祠 - Bronze, ヴィンテージ日本の記念鐘 – 「警世の鐘」 警世の鐘, 埼玉新聞社, 1967 - 1967年

This is an interesting vintage Japanese cast-metal bell bearing a very distinctive historical inscription connected with the Saitama Shimbunsha (Saitama Newspaper Company).

Unlike a traditional temple bell or Buddhist ritual bell, this is a much smaller hanging bell, closer in form to a Japanese hand bell or commemorative bell. It can be suspended by the cord attached to the top, or held by hand and sounded by moving the bell.

One of the most interesting features is the substantial internal clapper. Compared with an ordinary Japanese wind chime, the clapper and its spherical weight are noticeably large, giving the bell a more substantial character and allowing it to produce a clear and resonant sound.

Historical Inscription
The body bears the inscription:

「新社屋落成　埼玉新聞社」
「警世の鐘　1967.10」

The first inscription can be translated as:
“Completion of the New Headquarters – Saitama Shimbunsha.”

The second reads:
“Keisei no Kane – Bell of Warning to Society – October 1967.”

The term 「警世の鐘」 (Keisei no Kane) literally refers to a bell that warns or awakens society. The expression is also used metaphorically in Japanese to describe raising an important warning or calling public attention to social issues.

This wording is particularly appropriate for a newspaper company, whose role is closely connected with informing the public and drawing attention to matters of social importance.

Interestingly, the official history of Saitama Shimbunsha records that its new headquarters in Urawa was completed in 1967, matching the date engraved on this bell.

The faint characters next to 「新社屋」 appear to form 「落成」, although this portion of the inscription is somewhat worn.

Design and Construction
The bell has a traditional Japanese bell-shaped form, with a rounded upper section, a broad lower body and a decorative suspension fitting at the top.

The upper part is decorated with numerous raised bosses reminiscent of the 乳 (nyū) found on traditional Japanese bells. These raised elements are relatively prominent for a bell of this size and give the object a surprisingly strong visual presence.

The body is divided by raised vertical and horizontal bands, creating a restrained but distinctive architectural pattern. Decorative motifs are also incorporated around the lower section.

The surface has developed a deep aged patina, with dark brown, greenish and reddish tones resulting from oxidation and long-term aging. The irregular surface coloration gives the bell considerable character and emphasizes its vintage appearance.

The top suspension fitting is decorated with a traditional sculptural form, while a cord passes through the upper fitting. The cord allows the bell to be hung or carried by hand.

A Bell with a Different Character
What makes this piece particularly interesting is that it sits somewhere between a traditional Japanese bell, a hand bell and a commemorative object.

The internal clapper and spherical weight are considerably more substantial than those normally seen in a small wind chime. This gives the bell a more serious and purposeful appearance than an ordinary decorative furin.

It can be appreciated both as an object that was intended to produce sound and as a historical commemorative piece bearing a specific date and the name of a Japanese newspaper company.

Condition
The bell shows clear signs of age and previous use, including oxidation, aged patina, surface wear, scratches and variations in colour.

The cord is also aged and shows some fraying and wear at the ends.

The inscription remains visible, although some areas have become less distinct through age and oxidation.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

With its substantial size, prominent raised bosses, deep aged patina and clearly dated inscription, this bell has a particularly distinctive presence. The combination of a functional Japanese bell, a 1967 commemorative object and its connection with the Saitama Shimbunsha makes it much more than an ordinary decorative wind chime. For collectors of Japanese cultural objects, historical memorabilia or traditional bells, this is a charming and unusual piece with a fascinating story behind it.

Height 17.8 cm
Width 12.0 cm
Depth 12.0 cm
Weight 1600 g

Condition:
There is no major damage. However, as it is a used item, there are some damages such as scratches, scuffs, dullness, peeling, fading, wear and tear, dents, discoloration. It is a delicate item, so please handle it with care. It has been stored at home. Please see the many photos provided.

Atention:
The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.

Shipping:
The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan.
We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.

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