bianzhong

…sequences are termed chimes, or bianzhong. In the West since the 9th century, small sets of bells (chimes) in stationary suspension and generally tuned diatonically (to the seven-note scale) have been common (see bell chime). Sets of tuned bells numbering at least 23 are termed carillons. Groups of two or…

…of zhong in graduated sizes—called bianzhong (“set of bells”)—were arranged according to size and pitch, suspended on a wooden frame from the lug at the top, and sounded by striking the exterior of the bottom rim with a mallet. Naos of the Shang dynasty (16th–12th century bc) were mostly arranged…