Rgya-Gling

19th century

Not on view

Rgya-gling (shawm) may be used in temple orchestras or may alternate with dung-chens for the morning and evening calls from the monastery roof. Like other Tibetan wind instruments this double-reed example is played in pairs. The reed (not present) fits onto the thin metal tube (staple) atop the ornate metal pirouette (disk) that slips into the small end of the wooden tube. A monk takes the reed completely into his mouth and presses his lips against the disk provided above the pirouette's bulbous assemblage. Double-reed instruments like the European oboe used two reeds that are secured at their bases to produce a loud, penetrating and "nasal" sound.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Rgya-Gling
Date: 19th century
Geography: Tibet
Culture: Tibetan
Medium: Copper, turquoise
Dimensions: L. 24 × Diam. 3 3/16 in. (61 × 8.1 cm)
Classification: Aerophone-Reed Vibrated-double reed
Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Object Number: 89.4.1442
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

Audio

9362. Shakuhachi

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