It produces a lovely sound when we take it in our hand and shake it. It is gentle and elegant, but not loud. The old bell on the shelf in the entrance hall of my house originally came from the Korean Peninsula. I do not usually pay it much attention, but when I look at it closely, I can rediscover how its rhythmic form is heartwarming and  how it holds my favourite hand-held beauty.

Five bells remain now, but there must have been several more bells attached to its body. It might have been used by attaching it to something long. There is a museum collection of bronze ritual bells in Korea: some have eight bells around a circular disc as if they are glowing flames surrounding the sun, and some have decorated protruding shapes. These ancient artefacts sometimes become subjects for academic research. However, a trivial item like mine might just be categorised as someone’s personal collection.

In earlier days, people on the east Asian mainland had skills to make bronze items. The ancient bronze making techniques in Japan, which are seen in a kind of bronze bell called Dotaku made mainly in the Kinki region during the Yayoi period, was introduced from the east Asian mainland. This shows a culture’s ability to swiftly respond by creating a different form based on local characteristics, yet still retaining some commonality.

In ancient times, bells were spiritual items and a symbol of power. Bells were first made and developed in association with religious rituals. Their forms, however, have not changed much until today. There is a structure inside called Naruko, which makes  a sound when shaken. It is simple, but the sound can change ever so slightly depending on the composition of the metal. Whether the spectrum of sounds is pleasant or not is also one of the charming aspects of bells, and a point that shows the skill of artisans.

Japanese golden gilt-bronze bells that are decorated beautifully often came from Buddhist art. They are graceful and admired items, that are considered as one of the condensed forms of prayer. They are still actively used today in association with religious rituals, for instance at Shinto shrines and used by shrine maidens when they dance. The sound of purity wakes the connection with god.

People might desire a graceful sound when they connect with god. To hear the sound of the bells through the heart, we need to purify our ears. This may have a connection with the belief that sound of bells purifies the evil spirit. Perhaps the phrases “rin” (ring) and “rin to suru” (to be dignified) are connected.