Temple Bell
Washington, DC
This bronze temple bell with an ornate iron hanger dates to the nineteenth century and is thought to originate from Cambodia or Burma. It had become soiled and weathered and both iron and bronze parts were corroded. The inscription had orginally contained paint, and parts of this had worn away over time.
Our conservators cleaned the bell and hanger, and lightly patinated them, with guidance from the client regarding the color of the patina. After applying a hot wax, the missing lettering was inpainted and both iron and bronze components were waxed with a paste wax. The artifact was then moved to a more sheltered location and reassembled on the freshly painted frame.
