China
Chinese

Metal, paint
19th century
Diameter of largest bell: 5 inches
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Bells

A brass set of three-tier cascading temple bells from China.  Originally hand painted in red with gold gilt floral designs. The largest bell has a diameter of 5 inches.  These antique temple bells, possibly from the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), have been restrung, but retain the circular metal attachment on top of each bell.

Bells were initially made from pottery and first appeared in China around 3,000 B.C.E.  With the advent of casting techniques bells soon developed into metal. As the processes improved, they became more ornate and symbolic and found their way into Chinese culture and religion where they are used for prayer and meditation.  Smaller bells were also hung from Pagodas and religious buildings, as they were thought to ward off spirits and bring prosperity.  Today bells can still be found under the eaves of some Chinese temples and traditional buildings and are referred to as wind chimes, known as alarm bells and flower bells.  This suggests that when the wind blows, the bells/chimes jingle to frighten the birds and protect the planted flowers in the gallery.