Nepalese Bronze Temple Bell, Based

A handbell with a flower-shaped crown, and a very fine voice, one assumes.

This temple bell comes from Nepal and was made in bronze in the 19th century. Handbells of this type are commonly used in Himalayan ritual and worship. The bell has a flared, rounded body with a collar of tiny beads and a slender handle topped with a lotus-like finial. The metal is gray-gold with a rubbed, mellow patina and darker recesses. It stands on a black square base.

About eight inches tall. A little reminder that elegance can be quite small.