Teukgyeong

Unknown

ca. 1981 · Wood, marble, feather, beads, horn · Musical Instruments

The teukgyeong is a percussion instrument used in court rituals and banquets. The L-shaped marble slab, which is struck at the lower end with a horn mallet, is sounded at the end of courtly ceremonial pieces. The stone's thickness determines its pitch; this one sounds approximately middle C. A larger version of the instrument, comprising sixteen tuned slabs, is called the p'yon'gyong. Both types are decorated with auspicious symbols of ducks (joy and fidelity), phoenixes (prosperity and rebirth), and pine cones (longevity).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1981

Medium

Wood, marble, feather, beads, horn

Culture

Korean

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Korean Cultural Service, 1982