China
Chinese

Metal
ca. 475 BCE to 221 BCE
Height: 14 in, Width: 6 in
Aerophone – Free Aerophones – Free Reeds

This is a Warring States bronze musical instrument (@475 BCE to 221 BCE). The object features a globular body and long curved neck surmounted by a standing bull with long, curved horns. There are two airholes on the body, where bamboo pipes were inserted, and one on the neck.  Also, traces of incised script is visible on the body. This item served as a mouth organ (free reed aerophone).  The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC – 220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilization during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts.