In Buddhism, an altar found in temples and homes is called a butsudan, which means “Buddha’s platform”. Basically, a butsudan is a wooden cabinet with doors that contains a religious image of the Buddha or a mandala scroll. The doors of the butsudan are opened for religious observances. The cabinet also holds other items used in the ceremonies such as incense, candlesticks, bells, burners and platforms on which to place offerings. These items are called butsugu. In the family home, the butsudan is placed in a central location, to emphasize the importance of the teachings of Buddha. Rituals begin with the ringing of a bell, to symbolize wisdom and unity and to remove laziness and stingy mindedness. This bell will be rung again to signify the end of the ritual.
A Japanese prayer bell is called orin and are sounded by Monks to mark the beginning of Sutra—chants and prayers. As mentioned prior, orin are also used by lay persons in their homes, during daily worship. The marvelous Japanese prayer bell you see offered in this set, along with the set itself, dates back to the early 1900’s. The bell is beautifully crafted from brass and measures 4 1/8-inches in diameter and 2 1/8-inches in height. While it does have a bit of wear, due to its age, it remains in very good condition and still sounds a long, clear resonant tone. The bell’s dark brown wooden striker is made from hardwood, 5 ¼-inches long and is also in very good condition. Beginning with a dome-shaped head, the following portion underneath the striker is constructed similar to a bowling pin, for better gripping, then returns to a hot dog shape,
The exquisite material on the pillow in the set, atop which the Japanese prayer bell rests, is satin in consistency and is of a lovely floral motif. A grass green shade covers the top and travels downward in triangular shapes, to meet the warm, orange-red triangular insets on the side. The two sets of Buddhist mala prayer beads, or in Japanese shozoiki jyu-zu, in this wonderful set are made of clear resin and at the point each circle meets, it branches off into two strands. Attached to the end of each strand are very long tassels. Typically, the total number of beads adds up to108, with each bead representing one of the 108 desires or hinderances that need to be extinguished for enlightenment to be achieved. The main purpose of prayer beads is to create inner peace and a sense of tranquility. Wouldn’t you love to have this incredible, genuine, antique Buddhist prayer bell, striker, beads and pillow set from Japan as part of your collection?
This design is spectacular! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!