Large Monastery Bell

A monastery bell made of a copper alloy with iron fixtures. The main body of the bell is decorated with alternating dharma wheels set within jewelled garlands and kirtimukha (face of glory) spitting out strings of jewels. Below this is a band of dorje or thunderbolts and at the dome of the bell is the 'om mani padme hum' mantra. A large iron stirrup-shaped handle is decorated with two dragons or sea serpents and this in turn is affixed to a loop and hook. There is also a thin sheet metal leaf-shaped clanger.