Tibet
Tibetan

Copper, brass, turquoise, coral
Mid 20th century
Length: 32.5 inches
Aerophones – Wind Instruments Proper – Lip Vibrated

While Confucianism was the basis for the structure and moral fiber of government in China, it was Buddhism, introduced in the first century B.C.E., that flourished from the Han to the Tang Dynasties (206 B.C.E.–C.E. 907).  Among the instruments associated with Buddhism in the Tibetan culture areas was the dung-chen, a long trumpet played for preludes, processions, and morning and evening calls to prayer.  The dung-chen, like many Asian trumpets, collapses for storage.  This dung-chen is short, consisting of only two telescoping sections. The mouthpiece is basically a flat disc, and the bell is decorated with engraved motifs including dragons, coral and turquoise.  Different kinds of Buddhist trumpets are distinguished by the metal and shape of the bell.