214 - Đại Hồng Chung temple bell, Vietnam, late 19th–early 20th century

Đại Hồng Chung temple bell, Vietnam, late 19th–early 20th century Made of bronze with a brown and verdigris patina, cylindrical in shape and slightly flared toward the base, resting on a wide circular base. The body is divided by vertical and horizontal bands and features, in its upper section, a series of panels adorned with geometric motifs containing characters. The lower section is accented by a frieze of Greek frets. A wide horizontal ridge, punctuated by raised circles designed to bear the blows of the clapper or mallet, is framed above and below by two friezes featuring qibao motifs. Several vertical panels bear inscriptions chiseled in Sino-Vietnamese characters. The first reads: “During the imperial dynasty, the third year of Duy Tân, the ninth month, the eleventh day, made/repaired.” The second is a dedicatory inscription by donors. The upper section is surmounted by a large openwork suspension device formed of two facing dragons, above which a design of stylized clouds unfolds. An antique metal mount, heavily oxidized, is attached to the side of the suspension device. Height: 56 cm Damage upon acquisition.