蟠螭紋紐式編鐘 Part of a Bianzhong Bell Set (R020219)

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The majestic Niu-bell with Coiled Chi-Dragon Patterns was part of a remarkable Bianzhong Bell Set discovered at Tomb 60 in Liulige, Hui County, Henan Province. This exceptional niu-bell is one of nine intricate pieces that make up the set, and it's a testament to the advanced musical craftsmanship of its time. Niu-bells first emerged during the Western Zhou period, consisting of eight individual bells, but by the mid-Spring and Autumn era, they had evolved into sequential sets of nine bells. As music-making techniques improved, niu-bell sets became more diverse and non-standardized to produce an even wider range of pitches and tones. Each bell was a masterful instrument, capable of producing distinct pitches when struck at different points – the center or the side – adding depth and complexity to the overall sound.