Bell Shaped Bronze Dotaku
Artist/Culture
Japanese
Date200 B.C.E.–200 C.E.
Mediumbronze
Dimensions46.2 x 25.4 x 17.3 cm (18 3/16 x 10 x 6 13/16 in.)
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number1962.15
Label TextThe name Yayoi is borrowed from the site in Tokyo where the thin-walled elegant pottery made by the Yayoi people was first discovered in 1884. The technical sophistication of the ceramics, and the metallurgy of this people distinguish it from the Jomon (see Storage Jar, 1970.3, in this gallery). They suggest that this more advanced culture was not of indigenous origin, but the result of immigration from the Asian continent--perhaps Korea. The ability to work in both bronze and iron appeared simultaneously in Japan; this fact supports the theory of the continental origin of this people. During the Yayoi period a class society began to emerge, which eventually grouped itself into competing clans-nations. The Yamato (Japan's ancient name) clan emerged victorious over the others in the late fifth century.
Although the exact continental prototype of Japanese dotaku is yet to be discovered, they seem to have been made in imitation of Chinese bronze musical bells. These Japanese bells are distinguished by a tubular body surmounted by a large handle that extends as a decorative figure along the side of the body. They are the most unusual bronze objects made during the Yayoi period. Like this example, most dotaku have geometric designs on their surfaces--saw-tooth motifs, spirals and the like. The key-hole shaped notch in the handle of this bell is very unusual. Scenes of daily life appear on a few rare examples in a simplified linear style.ProvenanceN.V. Hammer, Inc., 147 East 72nd Street, New York, NYOn View
Not on view
