Rare Chinese Western Zhou Dynasty Bronze Chariot Bell

This rare and interesting bronze bell was made during the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 1100 - 771 BC). It 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 heard some 3,000 years ago! The surface has corroded due to long burial and there are extensive malachite deposits.

Height 13 cm (5 inches). Condition is very good. There is no sign of repair although close examination with a magnifying glass does show a crack (see last image).

For reference: almost identical examples are shown in the 2000 book "Imperial China: The Art of the Horse in Chinese History" where there is also illustrated a modern reconstruction of a Western Zhou wooden chariot showing where the original bronze chariot fittings, including the bells, would have been placed.

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