Ancient Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Dong Son culture, ca. late 1st millennium BCE. An attractive ensemble of 1 leaded bronze and 2 bronze bells, all enveloped in a rich green patina evocative of ancient Vietnam. The largest bronze bell presents a tall, narrow body with a suspension loop at the top and an ovoid mouth displaying a dangling, flared clapper. Intricately detailed, the second bronze instrument exhibits a more traditional shape of a bell with a tubular crown, all elaborately adorned by tightly spaced, horizontal striations, a band of spirals at the mid-section, and a swirling, abstract motif at the top. Last, the leaded bronze bell displays a flattened form with a rounded head and a projecting cylindrical handle. Its exterior is complexly decorated by meandering, curvilinear motifs. Size (of largest): 1.8" W x 3.9" H (4.6 cm x 9.9 cm)

The Dong Son (or Dongson) 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 Dunwoody, Georgia, USA collection; ex-Peggy Slappey collection

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#164648

Only largest is intact and still functional; other 2 are missing clapper which impedes function. All have expected abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, all are excellent with rich patina throughout.