Ningxiang Beifengtan Animal-mask Large Nao (Bronze nao with animal-mask motif)

Preserved in good condition; the handle (yong) is slightly broken. The colour of the instrument is earthy brown, and the whole body is covered in patina. It has a tubular rod named yong (handle) with a raised collar called xuan. The underside (wu) is flat and the two xian points are straight. The instrument has a wide body. The mouth (yu) is curved slightly. The body of the bell is shaped like a combined pair of tiles. The main body features animal-mask motif formed by thick lines. The surrounding areas and the gu and yong are all decorated with cloud patterns. There are simple animal faces decorating the xuan. This nao is massive, thick and heavy. Its size and weight are second only to the extra-large nao with elephant pattern excavated from Yueshanpu, Ningxiang County.