Nepalese Bronze Temple Bell, Based

A gray, sober bell with an open crown and a hook dangling below.

This cast bronze temple bell on a base is from Nepal, and dates to the 19th century. Bells have a place in Buddhist and Hindu practice in Nepal, where they are rung to mark the start of worship and to call attention to the divine. Bell with a flared skirt, two raised rings near the lip, and a beaded band at the shoulder. An open, pronged crown rises from the top. The surface is a dull pewter gray with soft wear, mounted on a black base by a thin rod. It is 3.5 inches wide, 3.5 deep and 6.25 high.

Plain-spoken and slate gray, with no interest in glitter.