China
Chinese

Bronze
19th century
Height: 10 in
Idiophones – Struck idiophones – Bells

A bronze folk Monastery bell with the image of a Chinese Buddha in the Mathura art tradition, with long earlobes, thick lips, wide eyes, and a prominent nose on one side.  On the opposite side is the image of Guan Yin, along with dragons, phoenix, lotus, and script on both sides and throughout.  In Chinese mythology Guan Yin is the goddess of mercy and considered to be the physical embodiment of compassion.  She is all-seeing, all-hearing and is called upon by worshipers in times of uncertainty, despair, and fear.  Guan Yin is one of Buddhism’s most beloved bodhisattvas, which refers to a rank of spiritual attainment that is above Arhat and below Buddha.  She also holds a special place in the hearts of people of other faiths, including Taoism and Confucianists.  The clapper inside this temple bell is missing.