Provincial Iron Bell

This rustic, 19th-century iron bell once pealed in celebration or gave notice of important events in a town in northern China. The shoulder of the bell is adorned with subtle decorations, including a fish in low relief, a symbol of wealth and harmony. Evidence of past repairs remain along the side of the bell, plaster adhesive peeking out behind patches of tar. Marked with holes to affix the clapper or insert a pole, the bell looks lovely lit from within by a flickering candle or simply stationed as a garden sculpture.