A large inscribed bronze temple bell

Description:

China, dated 大明隆慶… (Da Ming Longqing), Ming Dynasty
H. 61 cm, D. 36 cm
Heavily cast with slightly spreading sides flaring toward the base with a foliate rim, the domed top surmounted by a finial with an iron ring-shaped loop for suspension. The shoulder circumferential decorated with lotus leaves, the sides cast in high relief with two horizontal bands divided by vertical flanges. One section at the front bearing within a reserve the inscription with dating: 大明隆慶… (Da Ming Longqing). Dark patinated bronze.
Acquired by Bayer AG from Hugo Meyl, Asiatische Kunst, Munich by Carl Duisberg prior to 1930 - Partial age damage and surface change due to many years of presentation in the park
Large bells with trumpet-shaped mouths were particularly popular in the Ming and Qing periods. The wall thickness of the bronze bell with this mouth gradually increases from the top to the bottom, this design differs from the bell form from Tang times, which usually had flat mouths and a wall of uniform thickness. The more developed design from the Ming period onwards obviously also improved the quality and stability of the large bronze bells, thus avoiding cracks that occurred after long periods of striking. In the 8th chapter yezhu (Metallurgy and Casting) of the Chinese scientific and technical encyclopaedia tiangong kaiwu (The Utilisation of Natural Resources) by Song Yingxing (1587-ca.1666) , published in 1637, one can find the knowledge and experience regarding the casting of large bronze bells in the Ming period with illustrations. It mentions that bronze was the necessary material to make a good bell. chaozhong (large bells for summoning in the courtyard or city centre) in the Ming period were made only of a bronze alloy of bronze, tin, gold and silver and are provided with a handle for hanging. The body of the bell was made by casting the multi-part moulds of clay stone together, the decoration on the surface and sometimes also on the inner surface was made by a lost wax process.
This lot is subject to standard taxation: a premium of 24.5 % will be charged on the hammer price. Statutory VAT is payable on the hammer price plus premium.