Gilt Bronze Chime with Lotus Design

A Heian Chime of Refined Elegance

The Gilt Bronze Chime with Lotus Design (金銅蓮花文磬) is a Heian-period gilt bronze chime owned by Zenrinji (Eikando) in Eikando-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one chime, 26.4 centimetres across the shoulders, a chord of 27.8 centimetres, 10.3 centimetres high, with a striking boss 6.7 centimetres across and a weight of 1,593.7 grams, first designated under the old system in 1907.

The Agency records it as cast bronze, gilded, with the same decoration on both faces.

Design

According to the Agency, it is cast bronze, low and wide, with a somewhat unusual curve. Thickly made, it is cast all over with freely modelled lotus scrolls on a ring-punched ground, the same on both faces, and gilded.

The striking boss is rather small, especially its seed pod, but well modelled, and the suspension loops take the form of lotus buds.

What to Look For

The Agency praises its design and form, the beauty of its casting and finish, and its full expression of the refined taste of the Heian period.

Look for the lotus scrolls on both faces and the lotus-bud loops.

Visiting the Gilt Bronze Chime with Lotus Design

The chime is owned by Zenrinji and is not always on display; check the temple's announcements.