Artwork Page for Bell (Lai Zhong)

Details / Information for Bell (Lai Zhong)

Bell (Lai Zhong)

逨鐘

c. 800–700 BCE

China, Shaanxi province, Meixian, Western Zhou dynasty

(c. 1046–771 BCE)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 70.3 x 37 x 26.6 cm (27 11/16 x 14 9/16 x 10 1/2 in.)
Weight: 52 kg (114.64 lbs.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1989.3
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
241A Arts of Ancient China
Print
?

Did You Know?

The technical sophistication of the unusual lens-shaped cavity allowed the bell to produce two different tones.

Description

In ancient China, music and ritual had political significance and were linked inseparably to the power of states. During the Zhou dynasty, bronze bells were made in sets of eight to sixty bells. This bell is the second largest from a set of eight.

This bell bears an inscription of 118 characters about its owner, Lai, and why it was cast. Lai's ancestors dutifully served the Western Zhou royal court, and he was granted a hereditary position by the "Son of Heaven" (the ruler). To express filial piety, Lai commissioned a set of bells as an offering to his father, Gongshu, in the hope that they would be forever treasured by future generations. This important inscription also provides an early example of Chinese calligraphy highlighting the purely abstract lines and construction of characters.
A bronze bell features a green surface, engraved with designs and inscriptions. Three rows of six small knobs protrude from each side of the bell.

Bell (Lai Zhong)

c. 800–700 BCE

China, Shaanxi province, Meixian, Western Zhou dynasty (c. 1046–771 BCE)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

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 fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork