Antique Bronze Temple Hand Bell with Hanuman and Garuda Motif

Antique Bronze Temple Bell with Garuda & Hanuman

Size: 9 x 3 inches (23 x 7.5 cm). Weight: 1 lb 3 oz (538 grams)

This is a very nice example of an antique bronze hand bell that was formerly used by a priest on ritual and ceremonial occasions. The rung note is a high seventh octave C (2099Hz).

The top features a plinth with a pair of Hindu praying deities beneath a canopy of 7 protective Nagas…Garuda on the left and Hanuman on the right. It has a twisted handle and lotus pattern decorating the top of the bell.

This bell was individually cast by the lost wax method and is therefore a unique one-off item. A small area on the bell’s shoulder has some imperfections arising from the difficulties casting such a complex pattern, but this is quite commonplace. There is some wear as one might expect of an item in daily use for a hundred years or more.  This is reflected in the smoothness of the figures worn down with handling and ringing. It is hard to imagine the number of times this bell has been rung for the bronze to be worn down like this.  Nevertheless, the figures remain well defined, and the bell is very attractive, basically sound and in very good condition for its age.

Antique bronze Temple Bells of this type are few and far between, and are highly prized by religious practitioners, shaman, yogis, healers and sound therapists, as well as serious collectors.

When you buy, handle, and ring this antique ritual bell you can be confident that it is a genuine and revered holy instrument that has played an important part in countless sacred rituals and ceremonies for at least 100 years. It is a fascinating and beautiful object in its own right, with the look and feel of antiquity…but perhaps more importantly, when it is rung one can sense the spiritual energy, power and purpose with which it is imbued, and the present ineffably connects to the past.