Pottery Bell
Unknown Artist
19th century (?)
Medium
blackware
Dimensions
H. 5-1/2 in., Diam. 10 in., Total H. 10 in.
Classification
Idiophone-Struck-bell-without clapper
Culture
Mexican
Department
Musical Instruments
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Accession Number
89.4.661
Art Historical Context
This striking Pottery Bell, crafted from lustrous blackware in 19th-century Mexico, exemplifies the rich tradition of combining everyday materials with musical function. The unknown artist shaped the wide, shallow form—measuring just 5½ inches high with a 10-inch diameter—using techniques that produce the deep black sheen through careful reduction firing. As part of the idiophone family, it is struck rather than rung with a clapper, creating resonant tones that likely accompanied rituals, dances, or communal gatherings. Blackware pottery holds special significance in Mexican artistic heritage...