Hello, Thank you for choosing Mearto for your online appraisal. Based on the images and available information, this item is: A Chinese Bronze Bell, Yong Zhong, late Western Zhou/early Eastern Zhou dynasty (roughly 9th-8th century B.C.) cast in shallow relief with bands of tight scrolls and pronounced bosses, set on a cylindrical shaft with bulbous knop, dark brown patina with patches of malachite encrustation, 12.5cm high. This Bianzhong (編鐘) is an ancient Chinese musical instrument consisting of a set of bronze bells, played melodically. China is the earliest country to manufacture and use musical chimes. They are also called Chime Bells. A similar shape bronze bell bronze bell in the British Museum, accession no. 1984.0528.1, is illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Bronzes Art & Ritual, British Museum Publications, 1987 p.83 plate 28 and dated to the Western Zhou dynasty. The form and decoration of this bell are also similar to the 'Xing zhong' which bears an inscription to the official Xing who was bestowed his land and wealth by King Xiao (876-868 B.C.) of the Zhou. Very good condition, Retail prices may vary
