WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY (1100-771 BC)

Bells of this type were made in graduated sizes to form a set or instrumental 'chime'. Each bell was capable of emitting two different tones, dependent on the exact location struck. R. Bagley explains "sets of bells were both aurally and visually the most prominent instruments of musical ensembles" in ancient China, but outside of China were unknown, (Music in the Age of Confucius, J. So (ed.), Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington DC, 2000, pp.35-63.)