China

Chinese

Metal
Diameter: 13 inches
Early-Mid 20th century
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Cymbals

Originally, the bo was a pair of bronze cymbals of the Han Chinese.  They fall into the category of struck (concussion) idiophones and consists of two plates that are clashed together.  Bo is also a general term used to identify different types of cymbals.  Most are categorized based on the size of the cymbals.  This pair is called a shuibo, which literally means “water cymbals”, it has thinner plates of ‘resonant copper’ and makes a softer sound more like water.  The rim curls slightly upward at the edges, and there are slopping shoulders with a pronounced central boss.  A leather strap for holding the discs is inserted through a hole in the center of the boss on each disc.  There are two types of Chinese cymbals (bo and nao).   This is the nao type based on the size and the description above.

 Cymbals from Western Asia were introduced to ancient China from India. Similarly, like the wood instrument muyu, the bo was first used in Buddhist music and is now widely played not only in traditional Chinese music performances and traditional operas, but also in various folk music and dance performances.