Ritual bell with archaistic design, note guxi
In 1761, the Qianlong emperor ordered the casting of twelve-piece sets of gilt bronze bells based on recently discovered ancient bells from Jiangxi. Whereas the sixteen-bell chime sets were played together, each bell in the new set was played on its own, only during its corresponding month, such as the one here for the third lunar month. It would be struck once to announce the start of movements of the state ritual music Melody of Harmony.
Artwork Details
- 清乾隆 銅鎏金“姑洗”鎛鐘
- Title: Ritual bell with archaistic design, note guxi
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)
- Date: 1761
- Culture: China
- Medium: Gilt copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 30 1/4 in. (76.8 cm); W. 16 in. (40.6 cm); D. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Gift of Major Louis Livingston Seaman, 1903
- Object Number: 03.15.2
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Tibet or Mongolia
17th century
Central Tibet
ca. 1700
China
1641
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China
1641
China
17th century
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