Chinese Temple Vessel Bell

A bell that sits mouth up and waits to be struck.

This temple vessel bell comes from China and dates to the 19th century. It is copper. Bowl-shaped bells of this kind are associated with Buddhist temples, where they rest open side up and are sounded with a mallet to mark chants and prayers. The round body is covered in small hammer marks, with orange flecks showing through a deep brown surface. A few scratches score one side. The rim turns gently inward. It measures 18 inches wide and 14 high.

Its silence, for now, is a choice.