With inscription that can be translated to 'Made during the first month of the summer of the Xinchou year, Wangli period; installed by Zhuang Qin'. The date is corresponding to the year of 1601. The tall, domed body broadening at the rim, surmounted by a double-headed beast-form finial for suspension, the sides cast in high relief with a lappet band. One section bearing the inscription. Height 45.5 cm.
Property of a private Swedish Collector, purchased in London in the 1960's.
Compare with a bell sold at Bonhams, Fine Asian Works of Art, 21 Jun 2006, San Francisco. Lot 3198.
Compare also with a bronze bell in the British Museum, museum number
1989,0525.1.