Two Small Antique Bronze Temple Puja Handbells from Nepal

These two small handbells were formally used by temple priests on ritual, puja, and ceremonial occasions in Nepal.

 They both date from the 19th century.  The slightly smaller of the two rings Eb7 2533Hz and features the mythical Hindu Garuda bird on the left and Hanuman the Monkey God on the right, with 5 cobras behind.  The other one rings F7 2721Hz and feature a garuda with outstretched wings, and a cobra above.

Both bells sing sweetly and were individually cast by the lost wax method and are therefore unique one-off items. They are both in excellent condition with an aged patina.  They would make excellent and unique gifts.

When you buy, handle, and ring one of these antique bells 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. Each bell 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.