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Gyo

19th century
Not on view
Using a whisk-like split bamboo rod the player strikes the tiger's head three times, then creates a "purring" effect by rubbing the rod across the smiling feline's notched back. This scraping motion marks the conclusion of a Confucian hymn. In Japan where this gyo was made Confucianism was rare but in China prior to the 1911 Revolution the yü, as it was called there, enjoyed a 3,000 year history. Koreans, who still maintain traditional ritual, call it o. In more traditional forms the tiger is painted white, a symbol of the western region and Autumn, and, in keeping with this symbolism, is placed in the west side of the ceremonial hall, a location that connotes Harvest, Sunset, and Death. The inscription on this tiger's forehead means "music."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Gyo
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: Japan
  • Culture: Japanese
  • Medium: wood
  • Dimensions: L. 30 in.; H. 6 in.; Stand: L.31 in.; W. 13 in.; H. 7-1/4 in.
  • Classification: Idiophone-Scraped
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.2272
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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