EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY ((770-256 BC)

Details

A VERY RARE AND UNUSUAL BRONZE BELL, ZHENG
EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY ((770-256 BC)
Heavily cast and of elliptical section with deeply arched rims, each side deeply cast with a panel of two confronted dragons, their scrolling bodies incorporating two further dragon heads, the hollow cylindrical shank pierced on two sides with a rectangular slit, with extensive malachite and some azurite encrustation
10 in. (25.5 cm.) high, lucite stand

Provenance

Acquired in Hong Kong in 2000.

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Lot Essay

While no other bronze zheng with similar designs of stylized dragons with intertwined scrolling bodies appears to be published, very similar designs can be found on bronze vessels dating to the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC) which have been unearthed in Shandong province. See, for example, the ding excavated in 1974 in Laoying village, Zhailihe, Ju county, illustrated in Zhongguo Qingtongqi Quanji - 9 - Dong Zhou (3), Beijing, 1997, p. 69, no. 66, and the ding illustrated, p. 82, no. 79, which was excavated in 1972 in Doujitai, Zeshang, Zou county.

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