Acoustics of old Asian bells Free

The art of casting bronze bells developed to a high level of sophistication in China during the Shang dynasty (1766–1123 BC). Many chimes of two‐tone bells remain from the Western and Eastern Zhou dynasties (1122–249 BC). With the spread of Buddhism from the third century, large round temple bells developed in China and later in Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries. Vibrational modes of some of these bells have been studied by means of holographic interferometry and experimental modal testing. Their musical as well as acoustical properties are discussed.