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.
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
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.