連敲棍及底墊 Including knock stick and base pad
口徑Caliber 25cm
高 Height 16cm
音調Tone A
Made of brass in Japan
日本製黃銅製
日本中古磬簡介
磬是傳統漢傳佛教的重要法器之一。在佛教寺院中的大小法會具有指揮整個流程的功用。磬最初的原型和頌缽一樣都是僧人四處乞食的缽。當僧人去到人家門口前乞食時，傳統上會敲磬三下示意。由於缽聲悠揚，金聲玉振，所以慢慢成為佛寺的重要法器，所以法會開始的時候也是敲磬三下。隨著佛教傳入日本，佛教作為日本古代貴族的主流宗教，因此對於法器的製作非常講究和嚴謹。時到今日，日本只有某些家族傳承制作銅磬的千年手藝。儘管當今時代發達，日本工匠依然在鑄造出磬的形狀以後再用人手敲打而成，而為免銅磬生鏽，通常會用黑色的天然大漆塗抹四周，莊嚴簡潔。由於磬的聲音悠揚清雅，讓人心景平靜，近年越來越受聲音治療師歡迎，開始和頌缽一樣，在作為宗教以外用作洗滌心靈的樂器，讓在日常生活非常非常壓力的都市人，可以再敲磬的剎那，可以感受到寺院的清淨，讓煩擾的思緒回到當下，心安自在。
日本磬和尼泊爾頌缽不同的是，比起尼泊爾頌缽更注重聲音的敦厚悠揚，而尼泊爾頌缽側重在頻率震動多於聲波，所以聲音悅耳程度，日本磬比尼泊爾頌缽更勝一籌，對於聲音療癒來說，更令人放鬆。
日本磬與中國內地台灣等地的磬不同的是，聲音洪亮悠揚之餘，重量更為輕盈，適合居家修行以及外出攜帶。
Introduction of old Japanese Chime Bells
The chime bell is a key ritual instrument in traditional Chinese Buddhism. It serves as a guide for rituals, both large and small, in Buddhist temples. The chime bell, like the singing bowl, originally resembled the alms bowls used by monks to beg for alms. Traditionally, monks would strike the chime three times before approaching a door to beg for alms. Because of the melodious, resonant sound of the bowl, it gradually became a crucial ritual instrument in Buddhist temples, and rituals are often marked with three strikes. With the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, where it became the dominant religion of the ancient nobility, the crafting of ritual instruments was characterized by extreme care and precision. Today, the millennium-old craft of brass chime bells is only passed down through certain families in Japan. Despite today's advanced age, Japanese artisans still cast the chime bells in their original form and then hammer them by hand. To prevent rust, they are often coated with a natural black lacquer, creating a solemn and simple appearance. Because chimes offer a melodious and elegant sound that can calm the mind, they have become increasingly popular among sound therapists in recent years. Like singing bowls, they are now being used as spiritual instruments beyond religious traditions. Urban dwellers, often overwhelmed by daily life, can experience the tranquility of a temple by striking a chime, allowing them to return to the present moment and find peace and tranquility.
The difference between Japanese chimes and Nepalese singing bowls lies in their greater emphasis on the richness and melodiousness of their sound. Nepalese singing bowls, on the other hand, focus more on frequency vibrations than sound waves. Therefore, Japanese chimes are more pleasant to the ear and, as such, offer a more relaxing sound therapy experience.
The difference between Japanese chimes and those from mainland China, Taiwan, and other places is that they have a loud and melodious sound and are lighter in weight, making them suitable for home practice and for carrying around.