This small hanging bell is cast from *Sahari*, a type of bronze alloy with a high tin content. Compared to standard bronze, the increased tin creates a clearer tone and a beautifully sustained reverberation. The hanging cord is made from Kyoto-braided silk and is individually tied using traditional knotting techniques.

Kazuya NANJO

Bells・ Kyoto

  • Artist's Story

    Expanding the appeal of traditional Buddhist bells to a broader audience with A passionate commitment to excellence without compromise. One of only two or three remaining bell makers who insist on hand craftsmanship, he is bringing his 200-year old family business into the 21st century with new products for modern living that transcends religious use to include the worlds of art and music as well as activities that support mental well-being. Having already applied to develop a new generation of Buddhist altar bells with a unique tone, By re-invigorating both the craft and the market, we hope to ensure the longevity of traditional bells for future generations of users and makers alike.

  • About the Craft

    Orin bowls (bells) have been made in Japan since the 500s, when the methodology came from China.  They are cast as a mixture of molten bronze and tin are poured into clay molds, which give shape to both the inner and outer bell.  This alloy results in a durable bell with a beautiful sound. Bronze is a soft metal and tin is hard. The hardness of the bell can vary depending on the percentage of the two metals in the blend. The harder the bell, the clearer the sound and the longer the reverberation.

    Traditional handmade molds are made by combining sand, clay, and rice husks, resulting in a somewhat porous mold with good airflow that avoids shape and sound-distoring gasses that may become trapped. The molds are then fired in a ceramics kiln.

    The combination copper and tin alloy is heated to 1300 degrees C. before being poured into the pre-fired molds.

    After cooling, the orin are removed by breaking up the clay molds. Then, each bowl is individually and precisely hand-shaped by carving and polished using a lathe. Craftspeople are careful to minimize the amount of carving so as not to diminish the sound of the bell. Furthermore, attention is paid to monitoring weather conditions and humidity, which can negatively influence the quality of sound.



CONTACT ・ Kazuya NANJO

Website (English): Lin Ne

Instagram: @linne_orin

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