Alchemist Bell

Prague, end of the 16th century
Kunstkammer Vienna, KK 5969

This bell with alchemistic symbols belonged to Emperor Rudolf II. On the outside the gods of the seven planets and their signs of the zodiac are shown. The seven planets are associated with seven metals, from which the bell may have been cast. On the inside is a cryptic inscription in Greek letters, on the clapper one in Hebrew letters.