Bell at Miidera Temple
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Art of Japan
Typical Price
- Uncommon subject or exceptional impression: $2,000–$8,000
- Good condition standard print: $500–$2,000
- Later impression or common subject: $200–$600
Description
The great bell of Miidera (Onjoji temple on the shores of Lake Biwa) was the subject of one of Japan's most famous legends — rung by the warrior-monk Benkei who had stolen it from the temple, then returned because it resolutely rang "I want to go back." Kuniyoshi depicts the bell and its temple context, likely including the dramatic cliff-top setting where the ancient bell hangs above the lake. The Miidera bell was a canonical subject in travel imagery and warrior legend alike.
More Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Yan Qing (Roshi Ensei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
Poem by Abe no Nakamaro, from an untitled series of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets
Hu Sanniang (Ko Sanjo Ichijosei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
Miya, Kuwana, Yokkaichi, and Ishiyakushi, from the series "Famous Places on the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, Four Stations (Tokaido gojusan eki yonshuku meisho)"
More Temples & Shrines Prints
Fushimi Inari Temple
伏見稲荷
Woodblock print
The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in the Snow (Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki), from the series "Famous Places in the Eastern Capital (Toto meisho)"
c. 1832/38
Color woodblock print; oban
Temple with lanterns
Woodblock print
A Section of the Byodo Temple at Uji (Uji Byodoin no ichibu), from the series "Souvenirs of Travel, Second Series (Tabi miyage dai nishu)"
Uji Byodoin no ichibu
1921
Color woodblock print; oban
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bell at Miidera Temple was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳).
Bell at Miidera Temple depicts temples & shrines.