Myanmar (Burma)
Burmese

Brass
19th century
Width: 9.5 in; Height: 6.25 in; Depth: 0.625 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Gong

A thick sand-cast brass kyeezee or gong of triangular form with two flat sides and a horizontal drill hole near the top for suspension. Resembling the silhouette of a robed Buddha sitting cross-legged in meditation, or the roof of a pagoda.  The musical instrument is vertically symmetrical with a slightly rounded bottom, curled up corners, protruding decorative tabs forming tiers, and a rounded cap. Often used for meditation, it is played by striking one corner so that the plate spins producing a piercing bell-like tone and a warbling/throbbing effect as it spins, called phase shifting.  This instrument is sometimes called a Burmese bell.