China, 1st century BC. The oval body is surmounted by an arched handle and rests on a curving lower rim. Each side is applied with three rows of six ribbed bosses, interrupted only by gold-picked scrolls and enriched with fine incised decoration. The center is similarly ornamented with crosses and geometric motifs above a band of scrolling vines.

Provenance: Collection of Dr. Helmut Ploog, Munich, Germany, assembled from 1965 onwards and thence by descent. Dr. Helmut Ploog (1940-2024) was among the most influential and respected graphologists in the German-speaking world. Over the course of a distinguished career as an expert witness, educator, and author, he published a series of seminal works that are now regarded as standard references in the study of handwriting and character analysis. Beyond his professional achievements, Ploog cultivated a deep commitment to the arts. He assembled a notable collection of Asian art, including significant Chinese and Thai works. He donated part of his collection, among them several important Khmer sculptures, to the Weltmuseum in Vienna.
Condition: Very good condition with extensive wear. Signs of weathering and erosion, corrosion and traces of prolonged burial, a tiny hole to the side, rubbing to the gilt, scratches, nicks and dents. The surface bears malachite and cuprite encrustations and is covered with a superb, naturally developed ancient patina.

Weight: 3.7 kg (excl. stand), 8.3 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 26.5 cm (excl. stand)

With a modern stand. (2)

These chime bells were employed in ritual contexts since the Zhou period and were designed to produce two distinct tones when struck at the center or along the side with a mallet. Suspended from an ornamental frame, they formed part of a ceremonial ensemble, their resonant tones believed to establish a sacred atmosphere conducive to communication with ancestral spirits.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related group of six parcel-gilt bronze niuzhong bells excavated from the tomb of the Marquis of Haihun (92-59 BC), dated 1st century BC, previously on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number SL.1.2017.14.2a-f, and included in their exhibition Age of Empires. Chinese Art of the Qin & Han dynasties, 3 April-16 July 2017.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's Paris, 15 June 2023, lot 97
Price: EUR 69,850 or approx. EUR 72,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An archaic bronze gold and silver-inlaid bell, Bo, Warring States period
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and design, albeit executed with gold and silver inlays. Note the size (21.5 cm) and earlier dating.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's Hong Kong, 9 October 2019, lot 245
Price: HKD 625,000 or approx. EUR 76,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare gold-inlaid archaic bronze bell, yongzhong
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and design. Although this bell was described as “gold-inlaid”, it appears to be parcel-gilt like the present lot. Note the size (45.8 cm) and handle.