Xiao

18th–19th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 684

Bamboo is the typical material for end-blown flutes, but special decorative ones have sometimes been produced. This molded porcelain tube, marked "Lin Chao Jing," mimics bamboo and is decorated at each end with a vegetal meander, a "Greek key" pattern, and a leaf design. That the instrument is playable is remarkable, as probably only one out of two hundred fired would sound correctly.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Additional Dimensions

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Exhibition History

Title: Xiao
Period: Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Date: 18th–19th century
Geography: Fukien province, China
Culture: Chinese
Medium: Porcelain
Dimensions: 22 7/8 × 1 3/8 × 1 3/8 in. (58.1 × 3.5 × 3.5 cm)
Classification: Aerophone-Blow Hole-end-blown flute (vertical)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1988
Object Number: 1988.91
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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