A Rare ChineseWestern ZhouDynasty Bronze ChariotBellc.1100-771 BC.This rare and interesting bronze bell would have originally been fitted to a horse-drawn chariot, ringing constantly as the chariot went along. It still has its bronze ball inside the bell section so shaking it will make the same sound that was heardover 2,500 years ago! The surface has corroded due to long burial and there are extensive malachite deposits. Height 15cm.
Reference: almost identical examples were excavated from a chariot burial in Baoji City, Shaanxi Province in 1974 (see "Imperial China: The Art of the Horse in Chinese History").

Provenance: from the collection of the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.