Bo (bell) and stand
The bo is a barrel-shaped bell from China that produces a single tone when struck. It has a suspension loop on the top and is hung on a stand. A detail found on many Chinese bells are nine mei, or nipples, grouped in three rows of three. The mei likely had symbolic meaning; the number nine is auspicious in Chinese cosmology and frequently signified the emperor.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bo (bell) and stand
- Date: late 19th century
- Geography: Canton, China
- Culture: Chinese
- Medium: Brass
- Dimensions: H. of stand 28 in., W. 11-1/2 in., H. of bell 8 in., Diam. 6-1/2 in.
- Classification: Idiophone-Struck-bell-without clapper
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.2079a, b
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Shop of Refined Tones, Guangzhou (Canton)
19th century
Jiu-cheng
19th century
Chinese
1368–1644
Chinese
late 19th century
Chinese
19th century
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