Bell (Duo), Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period (480–221 BCE), 4th century BCE. Bronze inlaid with gold. H.: 8.2 cm. Gift of Dorothy Braude Edinburg to the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection, 1996.80 © Art Institute of Chicago

This small bell was designed with a clapper of bronze or bone (now lost) that was suspended from the short, hollow shank. It may have been used as a handbell to convey signals in military maneuvers. Much of its finely cast decoration—intertwined snakes and densely textured curls—is now camouflaged by surface corrosion. Traces of delicate gold-wire scrollwork are still visible near the rim. A diamond-like pattern with curvilinear motifs decorates the interior.