Very old and beautiful Waniguchi (crocodile mouth), a flat and hollow japanese gong in bronze that hung in front of the entrance from a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple.
 
Very beautiful piece from the end of the 18th century, the beginning of the 19th century from the Edo period, Japan.

25cm x 30cm x 9cm
 
By shaking a rope suspended at the entrance, it tapped on the waniguchi which resounded and attracted the attention of the deities to come to the faithful worshipper.
 
Old patina and oxidation of the bronze.
 
Some lacks, cracks, breaks.