Chinese Bronze Temple Gong

Big, dark, shallow dish with a smoky, cloudy surface and a hanger at the top.

This Chinese bronze temple gong is from China, and dates to the 20th century. A bronze gong is cast or hammered into a shallow disc with a turned-down rim, and its tone depends on the alloy, the thickness and the way it is struck. Wide, round, shallow disc in deep brown-black metal, showing smoky, mottled patches of grey and gold. A small wire loop at the upper edge allows it to be hung. The rim is turned over smoothly. It is 1.5 inches deep and 12 in diameter.

Brooding, round and mildly moody in its finish.