Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire (Angkor culture), ca. 1200 to 1300 CE. A cast bronze bell of a spherical form and a vertical loop handle for suspension made for an elephant to wear! The bulbous body is split down the center, the slit forking into a curvilinear V shape for emitting sound. The bronze clapper ball is intact and moves freely inside emitting a clanging tone. A pair of flared ridges around the center create a waisted or stacked appearance like a stupa. These ridges also serve to keep the main body of the bell from touching the elephant's skin and dulling its tone. These elegant and large bells can be seen hanging from the necks of elephants depicted in numerous Khmer bas-reliefs at Angkor, and on elephants represented in Khmer twelfth-century ceramics. Size: 5.5" Diameter x 7" H (14 cm x 17.8 cm); 11" H (27.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-John B. Kendrick II collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired 1965 to 1990; John B. Kendrick II was that son of John B. Kendrick, Wyoming governor and US senator

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#172419

Mineral and earthen deposits on the surface. Loss to flared rim, chips and abrasions. Surface abrasions and nicks. Green patina throughout and russet patina on clapper ball. Still emits sound!