From time immemorial, the windbell has calmed the hearts of both heroes and ordinary people during times of crisis. Materials used in making windbells changed from purified copper in the Han dynasty to jade in the Tang dynasty, iron in the Ching dynasty and to bamboo, wood, glass, aluminum and porcelain in modern times. The windbell was originally regarded as a means of dispelling evil spirits, but later became popular in its own right for its pleasant sound and attractive appearance. At one time it inspired poets and consoled disappointed lovers; today it soothes the nerves of people living amid the bustle of a highly industrialized society.

Poetic references. The fact that the windbell has been mentioned in classical literature since the Han dynasty suggests that it originated in China. Cloisters of classical buildings and under eaves are described as the best places for hanging the devices.

The earliest windbell of the Han dynasty was made of copper or iron. Because of its religious significance, it was often hung in Buddhist pagodas. Jade took the place of metal in the Tang dynasty, giving rise to this description by Tang Yen-chien: "The distant tinkle of windbells makes me think of the rise and fall of the Six Dynasties."

A leading contemporary Chinese poet, Yu Kuang-chung, once wrote a poem entitled "Windbell" to pledge his love to a girl. It reads:

"My heart is as the windbell hanging in a seven-storied pagoda.

"Tinkling, tinkling.

"Rising and falling, sounding out somebody's name.

"Does the tower feel the rhythm?

"This is the pulse of silence, day and night.

"Have you heard the tinkling sound?

"The sound goes on, it cannot be stopped.

"Unless the wind changes its course,

"Or the bell is removed, or the tower tumbles down.

"My heart is as the sounding windbell,

"Tinkling, tinkling.

"Rise and fall.

"Knocking at somebody's door.

Modern prose writer Pi Pu said of the windbell: "Its color embodies a language telling of love for me, and its shape a music which I hear all the time.... "

Modern history. First manufactured 20 years ago, the bamboo windbell of Chushan (Bamboo Mountain) in Nantou County is the best example of the modern type. It is made in various shapes including boat, owl, snail and other animals. During the lazy summer days, the clear tone of the bamboo windbell sounds like a gentle breeze rustling the green bamboo leaves.

The copper windbell originally consisted of a series of copper strips strung up in a line from a copper plate which increased its resonance. As time passed, more attention was paid to the artistic design, and the copper windbell was patterned after the multi-storied pagoda with pendants which suggested such desirable qualities as bliss, prosperity, longevity and happiness. Eventually, market demand caused makers to substitute iron and aluminum for copper.

Similarly, the glass windbell originally consisted of several strips of glass strung up in a line, and was in vogue about five years ago. As its popularity grew, more elaborate designs were worked out, in such shapes as goose, deer, dolphin and certain kinds of fruit, strung together with cotton or gilded silk thread. Sometimes, the glass windbell is decorated with small goblets, beads and colored ribbons, and often the glass itself is given a blue or amber tint.

Most of the factories producing glass windbells are gathered around Hsinchu in northern Taiwan where raw materials such as glass sand and natural gas are abundant. The 20 or so companies involved in the line purchase glass from local manufacturers.

One maker pointed out that since a style goes out of fashion quickly, new designs must be produced all the time. About two years ago, the porcelain windbell was first created, again in the shapes of such items as seagulls, dolphins, apples, leaves and cartoon characters. These windbells, strung in a circle or S-shape, are pleasant both to the ear and the eye. Despite their higher price, at US$2.80 to US$11 each, porcelain windbells are in growing demand. Most of the factories in the line are located at Yingko in Taipei County, Taiwan's pottery center.

All types of windbells can be found in gift shops in the Republic of China. For young and old alike, the tinkle of windbells suggests a mysterious, fantastic and romantic story. Even though high-rise apartment blocks may not have sufficient breeze to make the windbells sound, they are still regarded as a desirable decoration and a reminder of precious friendship.

[Picture Caption]

1. A copper windbell patterned after a multi-storied pagoda with pendants which suggest such desirable qualities as bliss, prosperity, longevity and happiness, was popular in an earlier age. 2. This wooden windbell made in the shape of a wooden hut with an iron bell pendant, is the artwork of a teacher in Hsimen Primary School in Hsinchu. 4. This green windbell, comprising five heart-shape porcelain plates with a relief pattern of roses is regarded as an ideal gift for exchange between lovers. 3. When the wind blows, the sound of this simple bamboo windbell is like the rustle of bamboo.

1. This amber-tinted glass windbell is a favorite with young ladies. 2. Elegant layout of a corner of the counter selling windbells at a department store. 3. Roof display of windbells at a gift shop. 4. This windbell consisting of 16 seagull-shape porcelain pieces, is pleasant to the ear and the eye.

A copper windbell patterned after a multi-storied pagoda with pendants which suggest such desirable qualities as bliss, prosperity, longevity and happiness, was popular in an earlier age.

This wooden windbell made in the shape of a wooden hut with an iron bell pendant, is the artwork of a teacher in Hsimen Primary School in Hsinchu.

When the wind blows, the sound of this simple bamboo windbell is like the rustle of bamboo.

This green windbell, comprising five heart-shape porcelain plates with a relief pattern of roses is regarded as an ideal gift for exchange between lovers.

This amber-tinted glass windbell is a favorite with young ladies.

Elegant layout of a corner of the counter selling windbells at a department store.

Roof display of windbells at a gift shop.

his windbell consisting of 16 seagull-shape porcelain pieces, is pleasant to the ear and the eye.