Zhong (bell) and stand

Unknown

late 19th century · Brass · Musical Instruments

Zhong is a generic name for Chinese clapperless bells which appear elliptical in cross-section and feature a concave mouth of opening at the lower end. This beautiful and unique form helps to generate two distinct pitches when the bell is struck. A detail found on many Chinese bells are nine mei, or nipples, grouped in three rows of three. The mei likely had symbolic meaning; the number nine is auspicious in Chinese cosmology and frequently signified the emperor. The mei also appear to play an important part in the acoustics of the bells. Experiments suggest that they clarify the tone by shaping the vibratory patterns of the bell’s surface, helping to stabilize and define the bell’s two distinct fundamental pitches. A bat, representing good luck, links the bell with the frame. Bells similar to this were used in sets for rituals or may have been played individually on special occasions.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Brass

Culture

Chinese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889