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Ritual bell of Zhejian

6th century BCE
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.
In 1759, the governor of the Jiangxi Province presented a farmer’s discovery of eleven ancient bronze bells to the Qianlong emperor, who interpreted it as an auspicious sign of the recent victory on the northwestern frontier. These bells were later housed in a building that he converted into Yungutang, or Harmonizing with Antiquity Hall. This bell is one of four that survive from this set.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 春秋吳 者減鐘
  • Title: Ritual bell of Zhejian
  • Period: Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE)
  • Date: 6th century BCE
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 11 5/16 in. (28.8 cm); W. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Shanghai Museum
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of Shanghai Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art