Chinese Late Ming Dynasty Iron Temple Bell

This monumental Ming-dynasty bell once pealed in a Chinese village, sounding out in celebration or giving notice of important events. Expertly forged, the cast-iron bell is detailed with characters in intricate relief, and its exaggerated scallop rim is traced with oversized rivets. Covered in scales and ending in expressive faces, the bell's handle is cast in the form of a two-headed hong dragon, thought to be the embodiment of a rainbow and thus visible only after rainfall. Frosted with snow or lit from within by flickering candles, this sculptural bell takes on a magical presence in the winter garden.

This lovely Qing-dynasty bell once pealed in a Chinese village, sounding out in celebration or giving notice of important events. Expertly forged, the cast-iron bell is detailed with characters in intricate relief, and its exaggerated scallop rim is traced with oversized rivets. Frosted with snow or lit from within by flickering candles, this sculptural bell takes on a magical presence in the winter...

A Chinese antique handbell made of copper alloy. I think it is from the late Qing dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. Although it is a casting, ...

A small and interesting cast bronze archaistic scholar vase with loose ring handles and taotie mask design, late Ming or early Qing Dynasty, mid 17th century, China. The small vase of archaistic hu form, and cast with archaistic designs. Sitting on a tall splayed ring foot, the round body is cast with a large band featuring a ferocious taotie (ogre) mask. The taotie mask in this case id decidedly feline, with a ruyi shaped snout above a whiskered mouth. Two flanges stick out to either side of the mask, reminiscent of ears. A wide, tall neck rises from the body, terminating in a slightly everted mouth. The archaistic cast design on the neck is not as clear, but most likely represents Fusang, a mythical island in the Eastern Sea where the legendary Fusang tree grows. The Fusang tree, home to the mythical Sun Bird...

Hailing from the Ming period in 16/17th century, this monumental bronze vase is a fine example of the auspicious decor and markings unique to Chinese furnishings. The vase is cast wi...

Chinese Ming dynasty bronze vase ( 1368- 1644 ) A genuine Ming vase dating from the early to middle of the ming dynasty. Archaistic decoration...