Bonsho Bell

This bronze bell at Dazaifu dates to the late seventh century and is the oldest surviving bell of its kind in Japan, designated a National Treasure. It is 106 centimeters tall with a continental-style trailing-vine motif around the base, a detail that reflects Dazaifu's historical ties with the outside world. A pair was cast in the same workshop; the companion bell is now at Myoshinji Temple in Kyoto. Bonsho are hung at Buddhist temples, rung to call monks to prayer and to mark time. Crowds still gather at year's end to hear large bells ring in the new year.