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Dasheng bell, note nanlü zhongsheng

ca. 1105
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 216
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
This bell is associated with Emperor Huizong’s reform of court music instruments. Known as “Dasheng” (Great Brilliance), the new court music sought to restore lost ancient tunes, designed to harmonize society, unify the people, and attain order. Based on ancient bells unearthed in the southern capital, the bell features spiral bosses on its body and a flat bottom. Artists also modified the design by reducing the square ring’s size and enlarging the opposing dragons at top.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 北宋 銅大晟“南呂中聲”鐘
  • Title: Dasheng bell, note nanlü zhongsheng
  • Period: Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
  • Date: ca. 1105
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 11 in. (27.9 cm); W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Liaoning Provincial Museum, Shenyang
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of Liaoning Provincial Museum, Shenyang
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art