John J. Gredler Works of Art

Chinese Archaistic Bronze Ritual Bell, Zhou Dynasty Style having Great Verdigris Patina

Chinese Archaistic Bronze Ritual Bell, Zhou Dynasty Style having Great Verdigris Patina

Chinese Archaistic bronze ritual bell with raised stylize tigers on the sides, a Taotie mask on front and back, incised and relief geometric decoration. With a wonderful olive green and verdigris patina. Large scale at 16 inches high, 12 wide, this is an substantial piece of sculptural art. The high quality of the casting, the excellent patina, an evocative olive green with patches of verdigis, the quality of the casting make this a stunning piece of decorative art.  In the style of the Western Zhou dynasty, 10th-9th century B.C.  Circa 1900 or earlier.  One photo shows this bell with a companion piece acquired from the same collection.

12 inches high by 12 wide by 8.5 deep

The function of the Taotie motif has been variously interpreted: it may be totemic, protective, or an abstracted, symbolic representation of the forces of nature. The motif was most common during the Shang and early Zhou dynasties. The design typically consists of a zoomorphic mask, bilaterally symmetrical, with a pair of raised eyes and typically no lower jaw area.