In 1978 a set of 65 chinese bronze chime bells was unearthed in hubei province, southern china. The chime, dating from the 5th century bc, covers 5 octaves. A filigree of gold inlaid inscriptions on the bells and their frame indicates the existence of an elaborate theory of music and has prompted the re-writing of acoustical history. Neither the principle nor the practice of this unique bell design was passed down. Single chime bells first began to be discovered some 80 years but their ability to produce dual pitch (1 note if sounded from inside, another if struck on the side) was only rediscovered by chance in 1977. The asymmetric construction which produces these acoustical properties is explained, with diagrams and photographs.