Overview
The Kesa-tasuki-mon Dōtaku (Bell with Sash Pattern), excavated from Sakuragaoka in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the most representative bronze objects of the Yayoi Period. It was included in a collective set of artifacts—the “Sakuragaoka Bronze Bells and Spears”—designated as National Treasures in 1970, and is currently held by the Kobe City Museum. This piece is an extremely important archaeological material that conveys information about the rituals and social life of the Yayoi Period.
Historical Background
During the middle to late Yayoi Period, rice cultivation became established across the Japanese archipelago. With this agricultural success came a proliferation of elaborate rituals designed to pray for bountiful harvests. Initially, dōtaku (bronze bells) were created as musical instruments, suspended with a “tongue” (zetsu) inside and rung aloud. However, over time, they grew larger in size and evolved into ritual implements or treasures (hōki) meant to be viewed visually. The site of the bell’s discovery in Sakuragaoka, Kobe, yielded 14 bells and 7 bronze spears simultaneously. This suggests that a powerful settlement at the time managed these items collectively, likely burying them during some significant rite.
Features and Appeal
As its name suggests, the defining feature is the pattern created by dividing the bell’s body (daku-shin) into a grid-like structure using vertical and horizontal raised lines, resembling the sash or stole worn by Buddhist monks.
- Refined Pattern Composition: The surface of the bell is neatly sectioned into distinct compartments. This demonstrates the advanced design sense and high level of casting technology achieved during the Yayoi Period.
- Presence of Pictographic Motifs: Some of these sections feature “pictographic motifs” (kaiga-mon) depicting aspects of daily life, local fauna and flora, or even architecture from that time. These are invaluable visual records for understanding the worldview and customs of the Yayoi people.
- Symbolism of Ritual: The bell embodies a powerful aesthetic narrative: its transformation from a musical instrument into a symbolic treasure representing the entire community.
- Excellent State of Preservation: Despite being an excavated artifact, it retains the profound presence characteristic of bronze objects from that era. It is highly valued not only for its archaeological significance but also as fine art.
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)