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Finial (Top Ornament): The top is adorned with a transparent crystal bead, designed to mimic the \"finial\" (dingzhu) found on the official hats worn by Qing Dynasty officials.
• Bell Body: The lower section consists of a metal base—typically crafted from silver, cupronickel, or a silver-plated alloy—decorated with *jingtailan* (cloisonné/enamelwork) featuring green floral and foliate motifs.
• Purpose and Background: These items are small, decorative tabletop bells, primarily produced between the late Qing Dynasty and the Republican era. They were largely intended for export or circulated as *wenwan*—collectible objects prized for their aesthetic and cultural appeal. The finial at the top—often an authentic Qing-era official hat bead (salvaged from an old hat) or a reproduction thereof—serves as the handle for the bell.
