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This spectacular set of bronze bells dates to the
Warring States period, 475-221 BC. Bells had
been made in China since at least 1200 BC so by
the fifth century their form had been developed
and refined over hundreds of years. The earliest
examples were mounted with the mouth pointing
upwards. Later hoops were added so they could
be suspended from elaborate lacquered wood
stands. This is how this set would have been
arranged, with the bells organised in tiers
according to size. The most famous set
excavated to-date was discovered in the
province of Hubei in 1978 in the tomb of Yi,
Marquis of Zeng (433 BC). Totalling 65
remarkably well-preserved bells, it has been
estimated that at least five players would have
been required for a performance.
The bells are two-tone and the elliptical cross
section was carefully designed to achieve this.
One tone can be made by striking the bell on the
outside of the central point of the lip and the
other by striking the corner. Three rows of raised
bosses adorn each bell and the area above the
lip is incised with a panel of intricate design. An
ensemble of this kind would have furnished the
tomb of a wealthy individual or been used for
ritual and ceremonial purposes. The Warring
States period was an era of continual instability
with China divided into numerous competing
states, each trying to gain overall control.
Despite constant military conflict, bronze
production flourished. Indeed, lavish ceremonial
was another way to compete with neighbouring
states. The production of bronze vessels was
also incredibly time-consuming. Access to
copper mines (a key ingredient in bronze alloy)
was crucial. The excavation of ancient mines has
revealed a complex system of galleries and
shafts with sophisticated drainage and
ventilation. Thus these bells are not only a
display of artistic skill, they are also a reminder
of the vast manpower and technical knowledge
available in this unstable era. The understanding
of how to cast bells of this type was lost c. 200
BC and is still not completely understood in
modern times. According to musical experts, for
example, the bells of the Marquis of Zeng sound
better than any of the recent attempts to
replicate them. A rare survival, this set of bells is
not only visually appealing but allows us to study
at first hand the musical ingenuity of the ancient
Chinese. (AM)
- (H.521)
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