Dōtaku
Unknown Artist
100–200 CE
Medium
cast bronze
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.978,"width":0.489}}
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Arthur St. John Newberry
Accession Number
1916.1102
About this artwork
The flow of new peoples from Korea to Japan during the Yayoi period brought new technologies of bronze and iron casting. Similarly, the form of the dōtaku, or bronze bell, is thought to have originated in Korea. The original Korean prototypes—stout, thickly cast bells—were transformed in Japan into sculptural forms with sophisticated surface decoration. These dōtaku are often uncovered near burial sites paired with a metal spear or sword nearby, suggesting ceremonial importance.