Antique Bronze Temple Puja Handbell from Nepal

This 19th Century bronze hand-bell originally belonged to a Buddhist or Hindu temple priest and was rung on ritual, puja, and ceremonial occasions in Nepal.  The rung note is a nice seventh octave F#7 (2877Hz).

The top features a praying mythical Garuda bird with outstretched wings, flanked by two snakes (nagas) with a huge protective cobra forming a canopy above.

This temple handbell was cast in a bronze alloy by the lost wax method and is therefore a unique one-off item.  

There are signs of wear resulting in some loss of definition as one might expect form daily use over many years, but it is in good clean condition for its age, and has an attractive bright golden colour.   It would make a very nice original gift!