Beijing Cultural Relics Essence Series -- Ancient Bell Volume

Author: Beijing Fine Cultural Relics Editorial Committee
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features:
1. The volume on ancient bells is divided into three parts: Ancient Bells, Chime Bells and Gongs, and Collectibles from Other Regions. Each part is arranged in chronological order, selecting over 130 exquisite pieces from the Western Zhou, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and Republican periods.
2. All selected treasures are artifacts from museums, cultural heritage management offices, famous temples, and protected cultural sites in Beijing. Additionally, some outstanding regional bells from other areas preserved in Beijing are included as appropriate.
3. The volume features an article titled "A Discussion on Ancient Bell Culture in Beijing" as an overview, with brief textual introductions accompanying the illustrations.
4. Considering the developmental relationship between bells and gongs, this volume also includes some chime bells and bronze gongs to provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of ancient bell culture.
5. Regarding the dating of bells and gongs, most ancient bells bear inscriptions of their reign years. Some early bronze gongs and bells without inscriptions have been dated approximately by experts employed by the Big Bell Temple Ancient Bell Museum for research reference.