China, Shanxi. The slightly spreading cylindrical body with scalloped pierced rim, surmounted by a double-dragon suspension loop. Each section of the rim decorated with a Daoist trigram, the sides cast with eight large rectangular reserves enclosing various inscriptions, framed to the bottom and top with floral bands, the domed top with four circular apertures encircled by knobs within a neatly incised floral cartouche.

Inscriptions: To one side, 'Long live the Emperor'. To another, dated '15th day of the 1st month in the 7th year of Chenghua (corresponding to 1471)'. The other sides with the names of all people who contributed to the making of this bell and the place of origin (Shanxi).

Provenance: Dutch trade. Acquired from a private estate, where the piece was kept for half a century or more, according to family repute.
Condition: Good condition with extensive wear and traces of use. Corrosion, encrustations, nicks, minor losses, and casting flaws.

Weight: ca. 55 kg (!)
Dimensions: Height 62 cm

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby's London, 5 November 2008, lot 12
Estimate: GBP 10,000 or approx. EUR 20,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare dated cast-iron bell Ming dynasty, Jiajing period, dated 1529
Expert remark: Compare the related form, manner of casting, and decoration. Note the slightly later date (1529) and smaller size (46 cm).