The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 29, 2024

Bell with Diamond-Shaped Insignia

Bell with Diamond-Shaped Insignia

300s–100s BCE
(770–256 BCE) to Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE)
Overall: 24.1 cm (9 1/2 in.)
Location: not on view

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.
  • ?–1998
    (Kaikodo America Inc., New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)
    1998–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • "The Power of Form" Kaikodo Journal. vol. VII (Spring 1998) pp. 62–283 Mentioned and Reproduced: cat. no. 51, pp. 166–167, 265–266
  • The Power of Form. Kaikodo, New York, NY (February 5-March 28, 1998).
  • {{cite web|title=Bell with Diamond-Shaped Insignia|url=false|author=|year=300s–100s BCE|access-date=29 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1998.77.3