Bell with Diamond-Shaped Insignia

300s–100s BCE
Overall: 24.1 cm (9 1/2 in.)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Description

These rare, elegant bronze bells were made in a tribal village along the southern borders of China. They differ greatly from bells made in the central regions, which often come in large sets and in varying sizes, and feature complex decorative patterns. The distinctive shape of these bells resembles a tall helmet topped by a pair of horns. A rope may have been tied around the horns so that the bells could be suspended. Each bell is decorated with a diamond-shaped insignia—probably to mark tribal affiliation. Although the bells are indentical in size, each produces a different tone, which indicates that their casting was a highly refined process.
Bell with Diamond-Shaped Insignia

Bell with Diamond-Shaped Insignia

300s–100s BCE

China, along the southern borders, Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BCE) to Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE)

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.