西周 青銅甬鐘

the body of elliptical section and barrel form with the two sides rising up in an arc, each side set with three rows of three bosses, evenly distributed and placed in the upper quadrants on both sides and divided by bands of smaller bosses separated by disintegrated zoomorphic scrolls in a fine line relief, the flat top decorated with a similar zoomorphic scroll in a sunken relief and surmounted by a long tapering collared tubular shank with a lug for suspension, the surface covered overall with light malachite and azurite encrustation

Paul E. Manheim （1906-99年）收藏
紐約蘇富比2009年9月16日，編號101（其一）

大都會藝術博物館，紐約，1968-2009年，借展

The bell is in overall good condition. The suspension loop attached to the handle is bent to one side and one of the bosses is slightly bent. The bell is covered on the exterior and interior with a evenly light green patina. There is some iron encrustation to one side.
"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."

甬鐘，周代重要青銅禮樂器，別於鎛鐘，傾側懸掛，故時成套排列奏樂，用於祭祀或宴會。據東周典籍《周禮》，只有特定階級才許懸鐘：「王宮懸，諸侯軒懸，卿大夫判懸，士特懸」，鐘乃地位象徵，也適於侯王士夫賜賞相贈。古時鑄鐘，必先選好吉金、吉日，鐘成之時，更須大張筵席，青銅鐘金光燦燦，主賓當莫不屏氣懾息，共鑑其音（馮光生，〈編鐘．樂器〉，《曾侯乙墓文物藝術》，武漢，1991年，頁158）。

與此甬鐘相近之器，可參考陝西出土兩件西周早期例，體型皆略小（43及39.8公分），其一紋飾較簡，另一鉦間、篆間則綴陰線，見《陝西出土商周青銅器》，北京，1980年，卷3，編號96-97，同書另載西周中期師丞鐘，尺寸碩大（76.5公分），據銘文，知其乃師丞為祖所造祭器，編號107。