Description of the Chime-Bell
The chime-bell is coated with bronze
It is known as Bianzhong in Chinese
Originated from Ancient China
Consists of oval bells in different sizes arranged to the order of the pitch
When used, one beats the bells with a wood hammer and a long stick
History
The chime-bells were the complete set of percussion instruments found inside the tomb of King Yi of the Zeng State during Warring States Period (433 B.C).
Archeologists found chime-bells, chime stones, Jian drum, Chi(bamboo wind), Pia Xiao(circular bamboo Pipe), Sheng(reed Pipe), hand drum, and the Se(horizontal lute) all in King Yi's tomb
The chime-bells in the tomb are the most intact chime-bells that exists today in China, which reveals that it is quite an obsolete instrument.
Uses of the Bianzhong (Chime-Bells)
Along with stone chimes called bianqing, the Bianzhong was an important part in Ancient Chinese rituals and court music.
Also were imported to Korea during Song Dynasty--pronounced pyeonjong in Korean, which is STILL in use in court music
Also went to Japan, where it is referred to as hensho
