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Prayer Bell (Lontjeng) (One of a Pair)

Indonesian

Artwork Details

Prayer Bell (Lontjeng) (One of a Pair)
16th century - 17th century
Indonesian
bronze
11 7/8 in x 4 7/16 in x 4 7/16 in (30.16 cm x 11.27 cm x 11.27 cm);11 7/8 in x 4 7/16 in x 4 7/16 in (30.16 cm x 11.27 cm x 11.27 cm)
Museum Purchase
1957/2.53

On Display

Gallery of South, Southeast and Central Asian Art

Tags

Description

Subject Matter:

A Buddhist prayer bell engages multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and thought. This pair of bells is from Indonesia, where they were used in the worship of the bodhisattva (a figure who
guides people on the path to enlightenment) Prajñāpāramitā. The sound of such a bell ringing is considered auspicious and akin to the voice of the Buddha. Buddhist laypersons might have responded to it as if the Buddha were calling them to come for meditation and prayer. Advanced monks who rang the bell, feeling its weight and detailed design in their hand, might have been reminded of the teachings it symbolizes.

Physical Description:

This is one of a pair of Javanese bells. A talon-like vajra sits atop the bronze handle. Lotus petals decorate the base, and the faces encircling the the bell above them depict Prajnaparamita, the bodhisattva aspect of “Perfection of Wisdom.”

Usage Rights:

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