China
Chinese

Metal, rosewood, cord fiber
ca. 19th century
Height: 69″ Width 32″
Idiophones – Struck Directly – Gongs

This large signed Chinese chau (gong or bullseye gong) is often referred as a tam-tam.  Traditionally, chau was used to clear the way for important officials and processions, much like a police siren today. Sometimes the number of strokes was used to indicate the seniority of the official.  In this way, two officials meeting unexpectedly on the road would know before the meeting which of them should bow down before the other.

Musical instruments have a long history in China, yet around the world the gong is often the only instrument people quickly identify as Chinese.  Archaeological artifacts have proven that a well-developed musical culture existed as early as the Zhou dynasty (1122 BCE-256 BCE), while bone flutes date to 9,000 years ago.