Bell shrine - Bronze - 1850-1900 - Ganesha bell - 19th c.






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Indo bronze ritual bell featuring a Ganesha figure, dating to the 19th–20th century, with a long suspension chain and a total length of 72 cm.
Description from the seller
Ritual bell with a long chain featuring Ganesha
India
19th - 20th century
Bronze with brown patina
Total length with chain: 72 cm
Bell alone: 18 × 9.5 cm, excluding the clapper
Total weight: approx. 1,300 g
Important Indian ritual bronze bell, remarkable for its crown depicting Ganesha and for its long suspension chain made of molded and articulated links, ending in a large zoomorphic hook.
The bell adopts a classic flaring shape, structured by several registers of concentric mouldings. Its body, relatively sober, contrasts with the sculptural character of its upper part. The surface shows a deep brown patina, punctuated by oxides and old wear revealing in places the warm, golden bronze tone, particularly on the reliefs, the lip, and zones frequently handled.
Above the bell sits a representation of Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity among the most venerated in the Hindu pantheon. The god is depicted seated, with a compact body, bearing four arms. His strongly curved trunk forms the center of the composition while his various hands hold or present his attributes. The deliberately dense modelling and the proliferation of carved details give the small figure a monumental presence despite its small dimensions.
The ring placed at the top of the figure receives a long bronze suspension chain, itself particularly decorative. It is formed by a succession of solid articulated links alternating circular rings and flared, faceted elements. This construction allowed the bell to be suspended while preserving it with great freedom of movement. The chain terminates in a spectacular zoomorphic hook, whose end takes the shape of a stylized animal head. This type of termination, both functional and ornamental, allowed the piece to be hung from an architectural element or a suspension device. With its 72 cm total length, chain included, the object has a distinctly architectural presence and was intended to be hung rather than simply held in the hand.
An independent clapper is preserved beneath the bell, suspended from its own ring.
Condition: In good overall condition for its age and presenting a deep brown patina animated by the natural wear of bronze.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insurance
Seller's Story
Ritual bell with a long chain featuring Ganesha
India
19th - 20th century
Bronze with brown patina
Total length with chain: 72 cm
Bell alone: 18 × 9.5 cm, excluding the clapper
Total weight: approx. 1,300 g
Important Indian ritual bronze bell, remarkable for its crown depicting Ganesha and for its long suspension chain made of molded and articulated links, ending in a large zoomorphic hook.
The bell adopts a classic flaring shape, structured by several registers of concentric mouldings. Its body, relatively sober, contrasts with the sculptural character of its upper part. The surface shows a deep brown patina, punctuated by oxides and old wear revealing in places the warm, golden bronze tone, particularly on the reliefs, the lip, and zones frequently handled.
Above the bell sits a representation of Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity among the most venerated in the Hindu pantheon. The god is depicted seated, with a compact body, bearing four arms. His strongly curved trunk forms the center of the composition while his various hands hold or present his attributes. The deliberately dense modelling and the proliferation of carved details give the small figure a monumental presence despite its small dimensions.
The ring placed at the top of the figure receives a long bronze suspension chain, itself particularly decorative. It is formed by a succession of solid articulated links alternating circular rings and flared, faceted elements. This construction allowed the bell to be suspended while preserving it with great freedom of movement. The chain terminates in a spectacular zoomorphic hook, whose end takes the shape of a stylized animal head. This type of termination, both functional and ornamental, allowed the piece to be hung from an architectural element or a suspension device. With its 72 cm total length, chain included, the object has a distinctly architectural presence and was intended to be hung rather than simply held in the hand.
An independent clapper is preserved beneath the bell, suspended from its own ring.
Condition: In good overall condition for its age and presenting a deep brown patina animated by the natural wear of bronze.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insurance
