Bell (nao)
Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 B.C.)
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
41.7 × 28.9 cm (16 1/2 × 11 3/8 in.); Diam.: 28.9 cm (11 3/8 in.)
Classification
bronze
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
12086
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Bells of this type are among China's earliest percussion instruments. Many have been unearthed from mountain slopes and along riverbanks in south China. This area was occupied by distinctive cultures that coexisted with the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties. Along this southern frontier, it appears that large bronze bells were more important than bronze vessels to the local aristocracy. This bell was designed to be mounted on its hollow stem with its curved mouth facing up and struck from the ou...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...