Qing Chinese Enameled Metal Bell With a Bronze Mandarin Hat Finial

Details

Description

An antique Chinese enameled metal bell with a handle made from a repurposed Mandarin bronze hat finial.

A thin … Read more An antique Chinese enameled metal bell with a handle made from a repurposed Mandarin bronze hat finial.

A thin metal has been molded into a bell shape and enameled in colorful enamels with a design of flowering branches on a vibrant green ground. The bell striker is a light green Peking glass bead. The handle is a repurposed Chinese hat finial with a bronze ovoid bead and intricate bronze bead work.

MEASUREMENTS
2 3/8 in (5.9 cm) diameter x 3 ¾ in (9.5 cm) tall. Weighs 3.1 oz.

CONDITION
There are no breaks, chips, cracks, or enamel losses. The enamels are bright and colorful. The Mandarin finial mount has oxidized with age and has a dark, rich patina. There is some wear to the finial bead. The inside of the bell also has some wear, particularly around the bottom edges where the clapper hits.

An evocative piece of Chinese decorative history, combining vibrant enamelwork and symbolic elements into a richly layered object with distinctive character and presence. See less