25 - An Archaic Bronze Ritual Bell (Yongzhong), Eastern Zhou Dynastythe mould-cast bronze ritual bell of typical Eastern Zhou almond-section barrel form, with crescent mouth and flared edges, the bell is fitted with a tubular suspension shank with integral collar for mounting, and

An Archaic Bronze Ritual Bell (Yongzhong), Eastern Zhou Dynastythe mould-cast bronze ritual bell of typical Eastern Zhou almond-section barrel form, with crescent mouth and flared edges, the bell is fitted with a tubular suspension shank with integral collar for mounting, and the body is divided by a central plain zheng band, flanked by three tiers of evenly spaced nipple bosses. The register bands are finely incised with kui-dragon scrolls, and the lower drum cast with interlaced chi-dragon motifs. The surface bears natural layered ancient patina and burial encrustations, retaining original state. Well-proportioned and intact, exemplifying standard Eastern Zhou ritual bell typology. Yongzhong bells were key ritual percussion instruments in the Zhou ceremonial system, renowned for their sophisticated dual-tone acoustic design. Cf. a comparable bronze yongzhong sold at Sothebys New York, 22 March 2011, Lot 48; another related example sold at Sothebys Hong Kong, 26 August 2021, Lot 1077. H:30.5 cm, L:16 cm, W:11.5 cm [Good condition overall, with ancient patina and surface encrustations consistent with burial.] Important Private collection, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, by family descent. Dairakusai, Tokyo, Japan. Private collection, London, UK. Link of detail photos: