Finial of a monk’s staff and a bell, anonymous, c. 800 - c. 1000

bronze (metal), h c.24cm × w c.9cm × d c.9cm More details

Sound is crucial to Buddhist ritual. It helps to attract the audience’s attention, concentrate the mind and purify the space. This finial once adorned a monk’s staff. The jangling of the rings signaled his presence and encouraged the people around him to give alms. A loose ball inside the bell, standing on a tripod base, rings when the bell is moved.