Ritual bell, note nanlü
Often juxtaposed with a set of jade chimes, bronze bells were suspended from wooden frames and played at state ceremonies and banquets. The Qianlong emperor was prolific in commissioning chime sets for state altars and palaces. This current piece features openwork suspension crowns and geometric patterns for which no precedent among chime bells is known.
Artwork Details
- 清乾隆 銅鎏金“南呂”編鐘
- Title: Ritual bell, note nanlü
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong mark and period (1736–95)
- Date: 1745
- Culture: China
- Medium: Gilt copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm); W. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Gift of Major Louis Livingston Seaman, 1903
- Object Number: 03.15.3
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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