Les cloches Zenghouyi: Un chef-d'œuvre intemporel de la Chine ancienne
Introduction to the Artifact
Le Zenghouyi Bells(Zeng Hou Yi Carillon Cloche), également connu sous le nom de Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, are the largest and most well-preserved set of ancient bronze bells ever discovered. Unearthed in 1978 from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng in Suizhou (formerly Suixian), Province de Hubei, this extraordinary musical instrument dates back to the early Warring States period (around 433 BCE). The ensemble consists of 65 bronze bells, arranged in three tiers and eight groups on a L-shaped wooden and bronze bell rack measuring 7.48 mètres (24.5 feet) long, 3.35 mètres (11 feet) wide, et 2.73 mètres (8.96 feet) high. The entire set weighs an astonishing 2,567 kilogrammes (5,657 pounds), with the largest bell standing 1.52 mètres (5 feet) tall and weighing 203.6 kilogrammes (449 pounds), while the smallest is just 20.4 centimeters (8 inches) high and 2.4 kilogrammes (5.3 pounds). Crafted using advanced techniques such as casting, welding, inlaying, and gold embellishment, the bells are not only masterpieces of bronze metallurgy but also feature intricate carvings, engravings, and lacquer paintings.
Function & Utiliser
Originally created for ritual music, court ceremonies, and royal entertainment, the Zenghouyi Bells were a symbol of power and cultural sophistication. They could be played in ensembles, producing a wide range of tones—from deep resonant bass notes (struck by wooden mallets on the lower bells) to clear, melodic high tones (played with bamboo strikers on the upper bells). Remarkably, each bell can produce two distinct pitches (a major or minor third apart) depending on where it is struck, allowing for a full chromatic scale of 12 semitones, enabling performances in pentatonic, hexatonic, or even heptatonic scales. This “one bell, two tones” (一钟双音) technology was lost after the Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE) and only rediscovered with this find, revolutionizing our understanding of ancient Chinese music theory.
Contexte historique
The bells bear inscriptions in gold script, including the name of their owner, Marquis Yi of Zeng, and a 31-character inscription on the largest bell (a later addition by the King of Chu) commemorating his death in 433 BCE. These inscriptions provide valuable historical records of the Zhou Dynasty’s ritual music system (礼乐制度) and the musical exchanges between the states of Chu, Jin, and Qi. The tomb itself, part of the Leigudun (擂鼓墩) burial complex, was accidentally discovered in 1977 during construction work and excavated in 1978, revealing a wealth of other treasures, y comprislacquerware, weapons, and a complete orchestra setup.
Preservation & Cultural Significance
Aujourd'hui, the Zenghouyi Bells are housed in the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, where they remain one of its most prized artifacts. Recognized as a National Treasure of China, they were placed on the first list of artifacts prohibited from overseas exhibitions (2002) to ensure their protection. In 2025, they were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, honoring them as the world’s earliest known musical manuscript inscribed on bronze bells. Their discovery rewrote music history, proving that China had a fully developed 12-tone equal temperament system over 2,000 years before the West.
Value & Héritage
The Zenghouyi Bells are not just musical instruments—they are a testament to the brilliance of ancient Chinese civilization. They showcase:
✔ Advanced bronze-casting techniques (precision in alloy ratios, unique “composite bell” design).
✔ Sophisticated music theory (earliest known documentation of tuning systems).
✔ Cultural diplomacy (the inclusion of a Chu Dynasty bell as a diplomatic gift).
✔ Engineering marvel (the bell rack, supported by bronze warrior statues, has stood for over two millennia).
A Warm Invitation
If you ever visit Wuhan, Chine, a journey to the Hubei Provincial Museum to see the Zenghouyi Bells is a must. Standing before these 2,400-year-old bells, you’ll not only hear echoes of ancient melodies but also witness the peak of China’s Bronze Age craftsmanship and musical genius. Welcome to the world of Marquis Yi—a world where histoire, science, and art harmonize in perfect resonance.
“When these bells sing, they tell stories of emperors, érudits, and craftsmen whose legacy still vibrates today.”