Decorative ornament - Japan - Tiger-Patterned Bo Bell

A bronze bell with an antique tiger motif, hand-cast in 1986 by renowned Showa-era metalworker Shōmin, perfectly replicating the shape of a tiger-shaped ritual vessel from the Shang and Zhou dynasties of China. The bell features four openwork tiger-shaped flanges on both sides, and is decorated with layered reliefs of the taotie (a mythical beast) mask motif from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The bosses are neatly arranged, and the handle is covered with a meander pattern. The casting process is meticulous and refined. The entire piece has a hand-applied antique bronze patina, with natural and soft layers. The bottom is cast with the year 1986 and the workshop's mark, making the date clearly verifiable.

It comes with an original black lacquered solid wood display base and a paulownia wood box with the craftsman's inscription. The front of the box reads "Made in Bronze Tiger Bell," and the inside retains the craftsman's signature and red seal.

The bell is well preserved overall. The openwork tiger-shaped flanges on both sides are intact without bending or chipping, and the bell body has no through cracks, dents or deformations. All the taotie reliefs, nipple studs and meander lines are complete and clear, without large areas of wear and tear.