Chinese Bronze Ceremonial Bell: Gift to an Emperor and Educational Item for the Masses

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

For thousands of years bells held a major place in Chinese culture. A beautiful example of a Qing Dynasty bell is preserved in the collection of the Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk, but little has been known about its function and decorative features, while its extensive inscription has remained unexplained. This paper provides for the first time an accurate reading of the inscription. It also examines the significance of the composite animals decorating the bell, and attempts to recreate the sound the bell would make. It offers a significant contribution to the knowledge base of the Museum collection.

Presenting Author Name/s

Sarah Hiltabidel

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Agnieszka Whelan

Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department

Art History

College Affiliation

College of Arts & Letters

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Disciplines

Asian Art and Architecture

Session Title

Art History Session 3 - Art History in Action

Location

Learning Commons @Perry Library, Room 1306

Start Date

3-30-2024 12:00 PM

End Date

3-30-2024 1:00 PM

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Mar 30th, 12:00 PM Mar 30th, 1:00 PM

Chinese Bronze Ceremonial Bell: Gift to an Emperor and Educational Item for the Masses

Learning Commons @Perry Library, Room 1306

For thousands of years bells held a major place in Chinese culture. A beautiful example of a Qing Dynasty bell is preserved in the collection of the Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk, but little has been known about its function and decorative features, while its extensive inscription has remained unexplained. This paper provides for the first time an accurate reading of the inscription. It also examines the significance of the composite animals decorating the bell, and attempts to recreate the sound the bell would make. It offers a significant contribution to the knowledge base of the Museum collection.