An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Bell (Lai Zhong)c. 800–700 BCE
In ancient China, music and ritual had political significance and were linked inseparably to the power of states. During the Zhou dynasty, bronze bells were made in sets of eight to sixty bells. This bell is the second largest from a set of eight. <br><br>This bell bears an inscription of 118 characters about its owner, Lai, and why it was cast. Lai's ancestors dutifully served the Western Zhou royal court, and he was granted a hereditary position by the "Son of Heaven" (the ruler). To express filial piety, Lai commissioned a set of bells as an offering to his father, Gongshu, in the hope that they would be forever treasured by future generations. This important inscription also provides an early example of Chinese calligraphy highlighting the purely abstract lines and construction of characters.
The technical sophistication of the unusual lens-shaped cavity allowed the bell to produce two different tones.
bronze
Overall: 70.3 x 37 x 26.6 cm (27 11/16 x 14 9/16 x 10 1/2 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In the stillness of ancient China, a profound bond existed between music, ritual, and politics, woven into the very fabric of state power. It was during the distant echoes of the Zhou dynasty that art and authority harmonized in a unique way. In workshops bustling with artisans, master craftsmen carefully forged bronze bells. These weren’t just musical instruments; they were symbols of power, resonating through both time and the hearts of people.
Among this collection, one bell stands out—a magnificent creation, the second largest among a thoughtful set of eight. Imagine this bell resting in a moment of solitude, its surface glinting in the soft light, narrating stories hidden from the history books. Crafted meticulously, it holds within it an inscription of 118 characters, a narrative that sings of its owner, Lai.
Lai, a man of notable lineage, belonged to a family that had faithfully served the Western Zhou royal court. In a world where duty and honor held great weight, Lai was bestowed a hereditary title by none other than the "Son of Heaven," the ruler himself. This honor was not just a mark of his family's loyalty; it was a legacy to uphold.
Driven by a deep sense of filial piety, Lai embarked on an important quest—commissioning a set of bells as a tribute to his father, Gongshu. Imagine the soft clang of metal on metal, the air alive with the sound of craftsmanship as Lai envisioned these bells becoming cherished heirlooms, timeless gifts sought after by future generations.
But the significance of this bell extends beyond its melodic potential; it serves as one of the earliest examples of Chinese calligraphy. The characters etched upon its surface embody a dance of abstract lines, a visual language that transcends mere words. Each stroke is a testament to the beauty of construction, an artistic representation of a culture steeped in philosophy and history.
In this bell, we find more than just a musical artifact; we uncover a heartfelt story that resonates, echoing through the ages—a reminder of love, legacy, and the enduring connection between past and present. Each tolled sound becomes a whisper from the past, calling us to reflect on the stories that bind us to our ancestors, an invitation to consider how we, too, might leave our imprints for those who come after us.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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