Untitled

Unknown

dated 1715 · Gilt bronze · Asian Art

After the stabilization of the country, Emperor Kangxi implemented a reform of ceremonial music in 1713. Sets of chime bells were collectively capable of producing twelve full notes and four double notes. These bells feature contemporary designs, not archaic motifs: either dragons among clouds or the eight trigrams, as here. Heavily cast with crisp ornament in high relief, this fully gilt bell demonstrates the superb craftsmanship of the imperial commission.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated 1715

Medium

Gilt bronze

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917