Ancient Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Dong Son culture, ca. late 1st millennium BCE. A wonderful, bronze bell presenting a rounded head, a straight body, a flared lip that opens to a rectangular mouth, and no clapper. Both large faces of the instrument are gently recessed, while a slender, horizontal band of a braided patterning encompasses the exterior, lying just above the lip. A series of 4 incised sun motifs additionally embellish the lip, with 1 at each corner. The bell may be suspended by a tubular, arched handle that rises from the head, the base of which is adorned by a lovely, applied decoration of ovoid, zigzag, and spiral patterns. A modern, wooden mallet displaying a conical form and a metal suspension loop accompanies the ancient bell, allowing one to enjoy its resounding ring as well as produce multiple tones by striking different parts of it. The impressive instrument is enveloped in a verdant green patina, imbuing it with an elegant presentation, evocative of the ancient world. Size: 9.1" L x 5.6" W x 13.3" H (23.1 cm x 14.2 cm x 33.8 cm)

The Dong Son (or Dongson, or Ãông 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.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

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#168277

Accompanied by modern wooden mallet. Expected abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail and rich patina.