A BRONZE ELEPHANT BELL, ANGKOR PERIOD Khmer empire,... Lot 359

A BRONZE ELEPHANT BELL, ANGKOR PERIOD Khmer empire, 12th-13th century. The ovoid body encircled with two disk shaped ridges finely worked with geometric bands, surmounted by a loop surrounded by radiating lotus petals with upturned tips, the bottom with a pierced opening with four lappets, two of which are finely decorated with beast masks, and the edges with lines and geometric designs. The bronze with a rich, naturally grown, solid patina with distinct areas of malachite, azurite, and cuprite encrustations. Provenance: From an old German private collection, assembled in the 1980s. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Wear, small losses, cracks, minor dents, and encrustations. Weight: 2,350 g (excl. stand), 3,970 g (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 17.7 cm (excl. stand), 41.9 cm (incl. stand) Displayed on a recent hooked metal stand. (2) Elephant bells such as the present lot hung from the elephant’s saddle or around the neck, ringing as the animal moved. The prominent ridges projecting from the surface serve to keep the main body of the bell from touching the elephant’s skin thereby dulling its tone. Literature comparison: Compare a related Khmer bronze elephant bell, 22.8 cm high, dated late 12th to early 13th century, in the Hartenberger World Music Collection of Historical Instruments, catalog number 2AS-IDST-76. Compare a related Khmer bronze bell, 6.7 cm high, dated to the Angkor period, 12th century, in the CB National Museum, inventory number NMC.437. Compare a related Khmer bronze bell, 19 cm high, dated to the Angkor period, late 12th to early 13th century, in the CB National Museum, inventory number NMC.436. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 17 September 2003, lot 44 Price: USD 9,560 or approx. EUR 14,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An unusual bronze bell, Khmer, Angkor Period, 12th/13th century Expert remark: Compare the closely related form. Note the larger size (35.5 cm).