Chinese Copper Temple Bell

A bowl that rings when asked, with a wooden striker waiting beside it.

This temple bell was made in China in copper in the 19th century. Bowl-shaped bells of this type are often struck in temples and shrines to mark prayer and ritual. The rounded body has a plain, smooth upper section and a lower half covered with hammered dimples. The metal is dark brown to bronze, shading to rusty orange at the base. A wooden striker with a carved handle rests in the bowl.

About four inches tall and seven across. Ring it once, and the room slows down.