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Gong
Roman
Imperial Period
1st century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 19 cm (7 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number99.500
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Idiophones
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 697.
DescriptionDisc with central hole, suspended to a hoop and bar, with striker on a chain. Each face of the disc is decorated with four concentric, incised circles. The central hole was enlarged as a result of friction and suspension, indicating long use.
Green patina, mostly removed. Only the bronze disc seems ancient; hoop, bar, chain and striker are made of iron.
Green patina, mostly removed. Only the bronze disc seems ancient; hoop, bar, chain and striker are made of iron.
ProvenanceBefore 1866, probably Purnell Bransby Purnell (b. 1791- d. 1866), Stancombe Park, Gloucestershire, U.K [see note 1]. About 1872, Edward Perry Warren (b. 1860 - d. 1928), London; 1899, sold by Warren to the MFA for $32,500.00 [see note 2]. (Accession date: December 24, 1899)
NOTES:
[1] According to Warren’s records, this object came from the Purnell collection and was acquired in 1872. However, it does not appear in the 1872 Purnell sale catalog (May 8-15, 1872, Purnell B. Purnell sale, Sotheby's, London) and may have been acquired privately.
[2] This is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542.
NOTES:
[1] According to Warren’s records, this object came from the Purnell collection and was acquired in 1872. However, it does not appear in the 1872 Purnell sale catalog (May 8-15, 1872, Purnell B. Purnell sale, Sotheby's, London) and may have been acquired privately.
[2] This is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542.