Iron bell

This object was collected at Hong Sheng Temple in Kwai Chung in Hong Kong in 1982. This iron bell was cast in the 21st year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing dynasty (1816). Since ancient times, the many islands and bays near Hong Kong and Shenzhen have been inhabited by local people whose livelihoods are based on the fishing industry. The fishing industry has historically been one of the most important parts of the local sea-based economy. Several Empress of Heaven Temples (tianhou miao) and Hong Sheng Temples were built in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and the people who depended on the sea to make a living went there to offer sacrifices to the Emperor of the Sea and pray for their well-being.