When did chimes originate?

The chime is an important percussion instrument in ancient China, and it is a kind of bell. A chime consists of several clocks of different sizes hanging on a wooden frame to form a group or groups, and each clock strikes a different pitch. Because of different ages, the bells have different shapes, but they are all painted with exquisite patterns.

As early as 3,500 years ago in Shang Dynasty, China had chimes, but there were three sets of bells at that time. Later, with the development of the times, the number of each set of bells has also increased. In ancient times, chimes were mostly used for court performances, but they were rarely circulated among the people. Whenever there is a battle, court appearance or sacrifice, it should be played.

In ancient China, the chime was a special instrument for the upper class, and it was a symbol of rank and power. Since modern times, many ancient clocks have been unearthed in the tombs of ancient princes and nobles in Yunnan, Shanxi and Hubei. Among them, the most striking is the chime of Zeng Houyi found in the tomb of Zeng Houyi in Sui County, Hubei Province. This set of bells is exquisite in craftsmanship, with a range of five octaves, and the scale structure is close to the modern seven-tone scale in C major. In addition, there are more than 2,800 inscriptions related to music rules on the chimes, which record many musical terms, showing the advanced level of ancient music culture in China. Zeng Houyi's chime is the largest and most well-preserved chime unearthed in China, and is regarded as a miracle in the history of human culture. The chime music is crisp and bright, melodious and beautiful, and can play the same melody as singing, also known as the bell.