RARE RITUAL BELL. BRONZE.
Vietnam. D鬾g Son culture. Bronze age; 5th-1st c. BC.

Bronze with smooth green-turquoise patina. This bell in oval shape is cast from two symmetrical halves. The elegant powerful shape is without decoration except three bands with small triangles bordered with thin double lines in very fine bas-relief at the mouth of the bell. The small hanging device is in the shape of a bowl. Inside residue of casting core or earth. Weight 2.46kg; height 31.8cm. Condition A. Supplement: Black lacquered metal base.

It is assumed that this type of ritual bells have been used at funerals.

Provenance:
-Private collection San Francisco; USA since the 1980s
Art trade; Van Ham.