A medium size bell with dragon handle

Bell

China

Zhou dynasty (1027-221 BC), Warring States period (475-221 BC), About 350 BC

Bells were a primary instrument in ancient China. Single bells were used to mark time and to also sound warnings. Groups of bells were fine tuned and used with other instruments in elaborate musical performances. The Chinese bell has no clapper and so is struck by a hammer on the outside to produce a sound that varies depending on where the bell is struck. In ancient China they used a pentatonic (five note) scale.

  • Titles Bell (Descriptive)
  • Artist China
  • Medium bronze
  • Dimensions 11 x 7 5/16 in. Diam. (27.9 x 18.6 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Paul and Emily Bourne Grigsby, 2006.303
  • Work Type bell
  • Classification Furnishings and Equipment