Artwork preview

Bell (niuzhong)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The bronze bell has a green patina. The bell is shaped like a truncated cone. The bottom has a wide mouth and the top has a handle held by two dragon-like creatures. The bell's surface features a series of horizontal lines and rows of bumps. The lines contain intricate designs. The bottom of the bell features a band of raised writing. The background is gray, getting darker towards the top. The bell titled "Bell (niuzhong)" by the artist is prominently displayed.

Artwork details

Date:
early 5th century BCE
Medium:
Bronze
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
469 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette