Publish by Gazette Drouot International

The two five-taloned dragons which decorate its gilt bronze body did not intimidate bidders this Monday at Drouot. Created during the reign of Kangxi, this “shiny bell” (sold at €665,600) was intended for an orchestra to celebrate military victories and ceremonial events.

CHINA - KANGXI Period (1662 - 1722)
Ritual gilt bronze bianzhong bell, cast in high relief with two five-clawed dragons, their scales finely chiseled, chasing the flaming pearl above the waves, alterning with two rectangular panels inscribed Huang Zhong for one and Kang Xi Bing Shen Nian Zhi on the other, corresponding to 1716. On the lower part, a frieze of discs patterns and stylized clouds. On the upper part, another frieze of small clouds. The handle shaped as a pair of dragons, standing firmly on their legs, their open mouths revealing sharp fangs, two thinly twisted horns on their foreheads.
H. 21 cm.