Lot 31G
Vietnam, Dong Son, ca. 2nd century BCE. This is a large cast bronze bell with a straight mouth and no clapper (none of this class of object has been found with a clapper). It has a high, narrow body surmounted by a bowl like handle. The mouth of the bell has carved geometric designs; there most likely were designs on the body of the bell at some point, but they have now been covered with patina and/or weathered away. The Dong Son (or Dongson, or Ðông Son) culture of north Vietnam long remained a mystery to western archaeologists, and it was known only through its bronze objects, many of which were taken from graves. Dong Son bronze objects were exhibited in Europe for over 100 years before their original location was even determined, and arguments over how to date the culture continue to this day. These bells with no clapper continue to be mysterious objects, but artwork on bronze drums from the same period and culture suggest that the Dong Son were a musical culture. Pieces similar to this bell are held in the British Museum and the Australian National Gallery. Size: 14" tall, 9" wide, and 7" deep.
Provenance: Ex-private southern California collection, acquired before 2000.
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#109451
- Condition: Beautiful green patina, some dirt staining. There is artwork around the bottom that is difficult to make out in some places. Very small corrosion (< 1/2") around the mouth.
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