Search｜Photos & Images & Videos｜KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

Biggest ancient 'dotaku' bell restored

What is claimed to be the biggest ancient 'dotaku' bronze bell in Japan is put on display at a museum in Yasu, Shiga Prefecture, neighboring Nara and Kyoto on Thursday Oct. 1. The bell, weighing 55 kilograms, with 135 centimeters in height, has been restored based on original bronze pieces unearthed in 1881. Dotaku, made in the Yayoi Period (300 BC- AD 300), are believed to be musical instruments or ceremonial implements. So far, more than 400 of these bells have been discovered in Japan. They usually range from 10 to 130 centimeters in height.