The set of bells, set of chimes and other instruments excavated from the tomb of Zeng Houyi, who was a Warring States duke in Suixian County (now Suizhou City in Hubei Province), are the largest-scale ancient percussion instruments found so far. The musical instruments were discovered in the central chamber, which was the biggest, and the second biggest, the eastern chamber.
Among the musical instruments found was a bell used for tuning other instruments, a ten-stringed plucked instrument, fiveSe(a zither-like instrument) with 25 strings each, twoYu(or Sheng) and one hanging drum. The other instruments found were threeXiao(a reed instrument consisting of a bundle of 13 flutes, each of different thickness), twoChi(a flute with a closed tube, blown transversely, with the air exit on top, and the five finger holes open "forward"-- toward the player. The method of playing theChi, by opening and closing holes, bespeaks a close relationship with the ocarina), seven 35-stringedSeand a small drum. The most distinguished among them wereZeng Houyibells -- the gem of ancient Chinese Art:
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| The Zeng Houyi bells |
The
Zeng Houyibells are a three-tiered set which has 65 refined bronze bells, including a large
Jiandrum (90cm in diameter, the drum was suspended from a framework in such a way that the drum head faced the striker), one set of bells and one set of chimes. They formed the three sides of a rectangle.
The musical range of theZeng Houyibells, which can carry the main melody as well as the harmony, was more than five octaves, and of these three distinct groups have 12 complete notes each.
All the musical instruments excavated from the Zeng Houyi tomb show superb craftsmanship and function surprisingly well. Indeed, some could not be surpassed even today.
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