A LARGE INSCRIBED CAST-IRON BELL QING DYNASTY, YONGZHENG PERIOD, DATED TO 1726

the slightly spreading cylindrical body with scalloped rim, cast with four rectangular panels enclosing lengthy calligraphic inscriptions and dated to 1726, all between bands of chevron and scrolling lotus and surmounted by a dragon knop

This cast iron bell is in good condition, however there is an 8cm crack to the lower edge to one side. There is some inconsistencies to the casting which has left some holes to the upper part of the bell. There is uneveness to the flange at the top which has left a roughness and indentation to certain areas.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cast-iron bells of the Yongzheng period are extremely rare and even rarer are those that bear a dated dedicatory inscription. A smaller bell of much simpler design, with an inscription dating it to 1732, was sold at Christie's London, 2nd April 1979, lot 15, and again, 31st October 1988, lot 291.  

The dragon-form knop seen on this bell is modelled after ones seen on slightly earlier, Kangxi period, bells; for example compare a gilt-bronze temple bell dated to 1713, from the collection of Lord and Lady Hesketh, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1327; and a complete set of bells, from the Forbidden City in Beijing, included in the exhibition Kangxi. Empereur de Chine, Musee National du Chateau de Versailles, Versailles, 2004, cat. no. 2.