Xun

206 BCE–220 CE
Not on view
Simple globular clay whistles, or ocarinas, were among the earliest wind instruments that required an understanding of how pitch is determined by the relationship between the dimensions of the wind chamber and the placement of the finger holes. Ancient versions have finger holes on one side of the ovoid body; later versions, still used in Sino-derived Korean ritual music, have holes located at the cardinal points around the onion-shaped instrument.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Xun
  • Date: 206 BCE–220 CE
  • Geography: China
  • Culture: Chinese
  • Medium: Pottery
  • Dimensions: Overall: W. 7.1 x D. 4.8 x L. 10.5cm (2 13/16 x 1 7/8 x 4 1/8in.)
  • Classification: Aerophone-Blow Hole-vessel flute
  • Credit Line: Gift of Joseph G. Gerena, 2005
  • Object Number: 2005.14
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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