Collected Illustrations of the Three Powers: Implements

Page 8

The Bronze Gong-Bell

Jīn Zhēng original: "金鉦" (Jīn Zhēng)

The Bronze Gong-Bell is a specialized percussion instrument cast from bronze, characterized by its long, hollow handle and its slightly flattened, bell-shaped body. In the context of Military Signaling original: 軍旅 (Jūnlǚ), the Zheng served a vital function: it was the command to stop. While the drums signaled the advance, the sounding of the Zheng signaled the retreat or the cessation of movement.

In ritual settings, as shown in the woodcut illustration, the instrument is often held upright. It represents the "Metal" category within the Eight Sounds original: 八音 (Bāyīn), the ancient classification system for musical instruments based on material: metal, stone, silk, bamboo, gourd, earth, leather, and wood system. Its resonance was considered essential for achieving cosmic harmony during solemn imperial sacrifices.

The Bronze Hand-Bell

Jīn Náo original: "金鐃" (Jīn Náo)

The Bronze Hand-Bell is another significant metal instrument, similar in form to the Zheng but traditionally used to "rest the drums" in a ceremonial or processional capacity. According to ancient ritual texts, the Nao was used to signal the rhythm of a march or to provide specific cues during a ritual performance.

The illustration depicts the Nao with a wide, upward-facing mouth and a sturdy handle. In the tradition of Ritual Music original: 禮樂 (Lǐyuè), the Nao ensures that the transitions between different sections of a performance are conducted with precision. Its clear, piercing tone was believed to be capable of communicating with the spiritual realm, ensuring that the ritual proceedings were "correct" and pleasing to the heavens.