BOWL-SHAPED BELL WITH INSCRIPTION
China; Tianjin. Qing period; Guangxu period (1871-1908). Dated cyclically: 1897.

Cast iron. In delicately moulded lines sword; gourd; lotus; infinte knot and a dated inscription: In the Village 'West Building' at the Southern area of Tianjin; donated by a believer for Guandi; a general in the Han period; who is seen as a divinized example for faithfulness; courage and justice. At the bottom; around the flat stand three round openings. The large bell has a far-reaching clang. Height 30cm; ?40 cm. Condition A/B.Art trade; Van Ham.