Detail View: The AMICA Library: Pien Chung (Ceremonial Bell)
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AMICA ID:
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MIA_.50.46.110
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AMICA Library Year:
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2003
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Object Type:
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Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
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Creator Nationality:
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China
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Creator Name-CRT:
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China
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Title:
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Pien Chung (Ceremonial Bell)
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View:
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Front
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Creation Date:
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early 5th century B.C.
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Creation Start Date:
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-599
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Creation End Date:
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-500
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Materials and Techniques:
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Bronze
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Classification Term:
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Metalwork
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Dimensions:
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H.23 in.
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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Owner Location:
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Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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ID Number:
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50.46.110
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Credit Line:
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Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury
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Rights:
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Context:
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Ritual music was an integral part of ancient Chinese ceremonies, and entire sets of graduated bells such as this have been excavated intact. The clapperless bells were suspended in order of size and struck to mark cadence during the various rites which were performed. The complex zoomorphic ornamentation this bell typifies is but one style of fifth-century bronze casting from northern China. Disguised in the center of the bottom decor zone is a t'ao-t'ieh mask, a stylistic revival of the original Shang dynasty motif.
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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MIA_.24715c.tif
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