Bronze Bell (bo) at The British Museum, London

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This ancient bronze bell is called a bo, boasting intricate designs of dragons devouring geese and a handle crafted in the shape of two majestic dragons. It took great skill to create such an impressive piece, with similar-sized bells not appearing in the West for nearly 1,000 years later. This bo was part of a collection of bells varying in size, each producing distinct notes when played. A skilled musician would strike the bell with a hammer, coaxing out two different tones depending on where it was struck. Crafted at the beginning of China's tumultuous Warring States period, this bell embodies the chaos and moral crisis that gripped the nation during that time. It was amidst this turmoil that the renowned Chinese philosopher Confucius developed his profound philosophy, centered around the importance of reverting to traditional values of virtue in order to achieve a harmonious society. As a devoted musician himself, Confucius saw music as a reflection of the harmony he sought to create in society.