inverted bowl-shaped bell; Buddhist ritual bell
A metal bell shaped like an inverted bowl, struck during sutra recitation in Buddhist ceremonies. The kanji 磬 is specialized and rare.
The monk chanted sutras while striking the bell.
An old ritual bell is preserved at this temple.
Kana spelling is practical for learners and in general writing, as the kanji is uncommon.
The kanji 磬 is composed of 殸 (stone chime) and 石 (stone), originally referring to a stone percussion instrument. The Japanese word きん is a Sino-Japanese reading, likely borrowed from Chinese Buddhist terminology.