Minneapolis Institute of Art

Yong bell

China

Date

late 6th–5th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

By around 500 bce, Chinese bells had undergone over 800 years of development and become highly sophisticated musical instruments. This yong bell features a looped suspension that tilts the bell toward the player, allowing for more precise striking. Remarkably, yong bells can produce two distinct tones depending on where they are struck—at the center or off to the side. The evenly arranged bosses likely help reduce dissonant overtones, enhancing the clarity of the bell’s fundamental notes. China, Asia

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