Ancient Tibetan Bell & Dorje

The oldest and most rare item in the entire museum collection, this ancient handbell is a world relic. More than 1,000 years old, it is the oldest handbell of Tibetan design I have been able to authenticate. It has design features of Gupta era Buddhism (5th-6th century) and physical age characteristics nearly as old. Tibetan temple bells and handbells are known by scholars to be among the earliest bells made in Asia, dating from the 6th-7th century. The design and physical age of this bronze bell is similar to other handbells from the 8th century. The patterns of oxidation under high magnification support a date range earlier than the 10th century, a period from which a number of handbells have been preserved. This bell seems to be from the Tibetan imperial period, around the 7th century, between the years 600-800 CE. The bell, handle, clapper and dorje all look original. However, it is possible the bell is older than the other parts by as much as a few hundred years. It is not uncommon for handles and dorjes to be replaced, although such a repair would have happened centuries ago: the seal between the bell and handle is very old and the organic shape of the bell and handle together suggest they have been together through the centuries. There is a pin holding the handle to the bell which could be original or may be evidence of such a repair. The face looks to have been re-carved in a crude manner, likely 100-200 years ago. The tone of the bell is stunningly beautiful, with the clarity of a great bell, the mellow warmth of ancient bronze and the spiritual presence of a sacred object. It is playable and in perfect condition. However, if it is used for regular playing the handle joint should be reinforced with wax to prevent separation.