Chinese Iron Temple Gong

A heavy bowl with two black holes where you’d expect none.

This temple gong was made in China in iron, and is dated in the record to the 17th or 18th century. Temple gongs and bells in China are commonly associated with signaling, ritual and monastic life. The form is a deep, rounded bowl with a flared rim and two large oval openings cut into the sides. Fine horizontal lines mark the upper body, and a few light scratches cross the surface. The iron is a dark, smoky brown, with a slightly lighter patina near the rim.

About 8 inches tall and 11 across. A dark curiosity that rewards a closer look.