Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Dong Son, ca. 2nd century BCE. A tall 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 two zoomorphic, horn-like points that may have served as handles. Long rectangular openings at the upper end would have allowed sound to escape. The Dong Son (or Dongson, or Ðong Son) culture of north Vietnam long remained a mystery to western archaeologists, and it was known only through its bronze objects, many of which came 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: 5.35" W x 8" H (13.6 cm x 20.3 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private D. Smith collection, California, USA, acquired before 2000

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#150940

Small loss from top of opening on one side, otherwise in beautiful condition with thick, smooth deposits and pale blue green patina underneath.