China
Bell (Bo)
Eastern Zhou dynasty, first half of 5th 
century B.C.
Bronze
62.2 x 43.6 x 36.8 cm
Lucy Maud Buckingham Collection, 1938.1335

In ancient China, bronze bells were cast in sets of graduated size, hung in a row from beams, and struck on the outside with wooden mallets. The sound of each bell depended on its size and the thickness of the bronze. Each bell emitted two tones, one when struck in the center of the lower panel, and the other when struck on either end. The bells were played in ceremonies to honor royal ancestors. On the top, the loop used to hang the bell is formed of two birds or winged dragons. Can you see how these creatures are curved to swallow their tails?