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Rare Sambaso Dancer Rattle Suzu Bells browse these categories for related items... All Items: Japanese: Textiles: Ritual: Pre 1940: item #717012 Please refer to our stock #9-105 when inquiring.
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This unusual cluster of Japanese hand bells, called “suzu” bells, would actually have been used by an actor portraying a Sambaso dancer. Early 20th century. It has a red lacquered wooden handle, an engraved brass hand plate and fittings, twelve brass bells and a braided silk cord. Sambaso is an auspicious ritual dance of ancient origin which was intended to appease the gods and bring good fortune. The Sambaso is supposed to have originated in the 9th century as a religious dance to thwart earthquakes. The Sambaso dance was performed at the beginning of the New Year at the start of the Kabuki season and before certain Noh plays, and it has served as a prelude to theatrical performances since the establishment of theater in Japan. The dancer wears a high hat with a red sun disc on either side, and he carries and shakes a rattle with bells. The sound of the bells was an important part of the Sambaso’s dance, and his dancing figure is said to be auspicious for good times. Suzu bells were once used to drive off demons. (A similar cluster of bells is on display at the Museum of Noh Artifacts in Sasayama, Japan.) Our photo enlargements 9 and 10 include pictures of a Sambaso dancer doll holding his suzu bell rattle. It is included only to illustrate how these bells would be used by the dancer. CONDITION is excellent. The sound of these rare theatrical bells is really quite wonderful. DIMENSIONS: 8” (20.3 cm) long, approximately 3 ¼” (8.4 cm) diameter. |
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