Bronze Taotie Cow Bell

This large Sino-Tibetan bronze bell was originally used to track the movement of livestock. This distinctive spherical form was mostly worn by larger animals such as elephants, oxen and cows so that they could be located while they roamed free to forage. Dated to the 19th century or earlier, the bronze form is cast in relief with a shou character for longevity at the top and a mythical Taotie face at the bottom. One of the Four Evil Creatures of the World, the Taotie is a mythological beast found on ancient Chinese bronze vessels and is typically depicted as an abstract, zoomorphic animal face. Displayed on a custom mount, this storied functional object becomes a small work of sculpture.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

Additional Dimensions:
Bell: 2"W x 2"D x 2.5"H
Mount Plate: 2.25"W x 2.25"D