On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Ceremonial bell with imperial procession, landscape, and mythical creatures in waves
This monumental bell exemplifies the sophisticated bronze casting of the Song dynasty and marks the inauguration of archaism in this medium. Its ornamental bands represent a comprehensive vision of the empire. The top three bands depict an imperial procession through the capital city of Bianjing (now Kaifeng, Henan Province). The next register presents a lively landscape symbolizing the empire’s vast territory. Finally, the bottom band depicts the cosmic ocean, with the eight Daoist immortals and mythical sea creatures emerging from turbulent waves. Attributes of the processional paraphernalia and the architectural style of the palace gate indicate that the bell was cast in 1120s.
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