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China

Bell (Duo)

Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period (480–221 BCE), 4th century BCE
Bronze inlaid with gold

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● On view now — Gallery 132

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This small bell was designed with a clapper of bronze or bone (now lost) that was suspended from the short, hollow shank. It may have been used as a handbell to convey signals in military maneuvers. Much of its finely cast decoration—intertwined snakes and densely textured curls—is now camouflaged by surface corrosion. Traces of delicate gold-wire scrollwork are still visible near the rim. A diamond-like pattern with curvilinear motifs decorates the interior.

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