Overview
The Bonshō (temple bell) associated with Engaku-ji Temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a representative craft item from the late Kamakura Period. It was designated a National Treasure on November 14, 1953. It is counted among the three famous bells of Kamakura and is widely known throughout the Kanto region for its impressive scale and dignity.
Historical Background
This temple bell was commissioned by Hōjō Sadatoki, the ninth Shikken (regent) of the Kamakura Shogunate, in 1301 (Seian 3), as a prayer for national peace. At the time, Engaku-ji Temple was established as a Zen monastery to mourn those who died fighting during the Mongol invasions (Genkō). The donation of this bell strongly reflects the deep Zen faith held by the Hōjō clan and the political and religious context of the era. It remains a valuable historical relic that conveys the outstanding casting techniques of the Kamakura Period.
Features and Appeal
The greatest features of Engaku-ji Temple’s Bonshō are its overwhelming presence and refined aesthetic beauty.
- Scale Unique to Kamakura: With a total height of approximately 2.6 meters and a mouth diameter of approximately 1.4 meters, it is among the largest bells found in the Kamakura region.
- Masterpiece by Mononobe Clan: It was crafted by Mononobe Kunimitsu, a leading caster of the time. The entire piece exhibits extremely precise finishing work down to the smallest details.
- Refined Decoration and Inscription: The bell body features elegant decorations and an elevated inscription, conveying the essence of Zen culture from that period.
- Solemn Resonance: Its heavy yet pure tone has long been revered as a symbol of Kamakura’s tranquility, giving it immense value both technically and artistically.
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)