Bell (bo zhong)
Description
This bronze bo zhong bell has a pointed elliptical cross section, level rim, flat top, a suspension hanger, and is covered with a gray-green patina. Its prominent hanger has an inverted U-shaped bar supported on each side by a large feline with a beaked animal emerging from it jaws and with a small feline in back. The body of this bell is divided into three decorative registers. Along the top, and also carried down the sides of the bell, is a narrow band with comma, spiral, and granulated patterns. The large middle register has an undecorated, tall trapezoidal panel flanked by three registers with ornamented bosses set in rectangular frames alternating with two registers decorated with comma patterns. The bottom register has a large, raised, symmetric design on a plain ground. The design is composed of interlaced bands decorated with volutes and spiral patterns, and in the top center are scaled motifs that resemble dragon heads. The two halves of the design were executed with different pattern blocks, as evidenced by the vertical misalignment where they are joined at the center.
At the outer edges of the bell are vertical mold marks where the front and back piece-molds joined. Decorative pattern-blocks were used to form the individual framed bosses and other motifs across the faces and top of the bell. An additional mold line along the central long axis across the top, suggests separate piece-molds were used to cast the upper surface and the hanger. On the interior, two depressions are found on each wall behind the central register of bosses. After casting, the bell was tuned by scraping away metal on the interior walls.
Comparison of this bell to other vessels having an identical decorative scheme, or having a similar style, indicates that it may have been produced in the Chu state in north-central China during the early Warring States period.
Elemental Analysis
Exceptionally low lead content (0.38%), copper 79.4%, tin 17.8%.
