Vintage Brass Hand Bell with Ouroboros Snake and Hand Motif
Dimensions: 6” tall
This stunning vintage brass hand bell features a beautifully symbolic design, with the neck crafted as a hand gripping an ouroboros—a serpent devouring its own tail, symbolizing eternity and renewal. The bell’s clapper is also made of brass and suspended by a sturdy brass wire. Its weight and craftsmanship make it a substantial, eye-catching piece. The bell is in excellent condition, with some patina from age and use that can be polished if desired. The clapper shows minor finish loss, a testament to its history, but the bell still rings with a rich, resonant tone.
The ouroboros has deep roots in ancient symbolism, appearing in Egyptian and Greek traditions and adopted by Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and alchemy as a representation of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This piece is not only a functional item but also an artifact of powerful historical meaning, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of symbolic art.