An important Imperial ritual gilt bronze bell, Bianzhong, Ming; Dynasty (1368- 1644); the sides are slightly bulging, the top is cast with a stylized cloud arch forming the suspension handle. Each face has five horizontal registers of clouds, waves, and rivets in relief, framing a vertical ruyi-bordered panel. The upper section features a frieze of clouds, tortoises, and phoenixes, with dragon cartouches on the sides and a band of swirling clouds at the base. The top is cast with two pairs of phoenixes in relief, 28 cm high; weight: 18.56 kg.