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An extremely large archaic bronze ritual bell (Nao) — 商末 / 西周初 青銅獸面紋鐃

An extremely large archaic bronze ritual bell (Nao)

商末 / 西周初 青銅獸面紋鐃

An exceptionally large and impressive archaic bronze ritual bell from the late Shang or early Western Zhou period, decorated with characteristic zoomorphic taotie mask motifs. These monumental instruments served ceremonial and signaling functions in ancient Chinese society.

🔨 Auction Lot

POWER / CONQUEST: The Forging of Empires

September 20, 2022

Estimate: $500,000$700,000

Lot 18

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An extremely large archaic bronze ritual bell (Nao), 商末 / 西周初 青銅獸面紋鐃

An exceptionally large and impressive archaic bronze ritual bell from the late Shang or early Western Zhou period, decorated with characteristic zoomorphic taotie mask motifs. These monumental instruments served ceremonial and signaling functions in ancient Chinese society.

Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Western Zhou, Shang Dynasty, Ancient Bronze, Ritual Bell, Taotie Motif, Large Scale, Zoomorphic, Ceremonial Instrument