Bianzhong
Bianzhong, or chime bells are an important percussion instrument in ancient China. Chime bells are performed in one or more groups, in which there are dozens of big and small bells. Each of them has different tones.
In the early Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), there had been Serial Bells, which were made up of three pieces of bells. Along with the development of the times, the number increased.
The instrument was used on the occasions of wars, royal meetings and sacrifices. It was an exclusive musical instrument for the upper class, and was regarded as the symbol of power and social class. Ancient bells have been discovered in royal tombs in Yunnan, Shanxi, Hubei and other provinces. The most remarkable is the one found in Hubei. This set of bells are well designed, and have five octaves. There are inscriptions with regard to swings, among which are music terms showing the advanced development of the ancient musical instrument.
