Xiao (簫 )

Unknown

late 19th century · Bamboo and ivory · Musical Instruments

There are two types of Chinese end-blown flutes: those like this xiao, associated with central China, with a small U-shaped hole cut into the closed nodal end of the bamboo tube; and those from southeastern China and Taiwan called dongxiao, also seen in this case, with a completely open blowing end. Legend holds that this particular type of end-blown, notched flute was created by disassembling a panpipe called a paixiao and placing equidistant finger holes on each pipe. Used in Confucian ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, and often associated with scholars, xiao are sometimes inscribed with poems.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Bamboo and ivory

Culture

Chinese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889