What Were Ancient Chinese Gongs Made Of?
Chinese gongs, in all of their types, are instruments with ancient histories. Traditional Chinese gongs, orchestra and wind gongs are made from a variety of metals. The metal used, the way a gong is manufactured and the gong's age all affect the harmonics and rhythm produced when the gong is struck, Chinese gongs continue to accompany many forms of gatherings and are no longer unique to Asia.
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History
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Chinese historians note the use of gongs to the Hsi Yu nation near Tibet during the first century AD. China was one of the primary manufacturers of gongs. The Chinese and a handful of other Asian countries are known to have made various types of gongs. Different gongs attended different functions and ceremonies across Asia, from the Himalayas to East Asia. The use of gongs was incorporated into Tibetan and Zen Buddhists practices and worship. Chinese officials were regaled by the sonorous harmonics in state processions and entertainment and festivals resounded with gongs of many types. In the modern age, Chinese gongs have found their way around the world. The types of metals used have been pared down, but the impact of China's contribution to the future cannot be overstated.
Function
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Suspended gongs are struck (or for Buddhists, invited) in the area that immediately surrounds the center of the gong. Used by Buddhists, as introductions for sporting events and to call in field workers, suspended gongs and Chau gongs are the best known gongs in the West. Small and large Opera gongs introduced minor opera performers and stars, respectively. Feng or Wind gongs, made of brass, hand hammered, were used in Lion dances and in healing rituals.
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Features
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Depending upon the type(s) of metal used in a gong's construction, the age of the gong and whether the gong was made by hand or machine, the harmonic vibration created will be more or less complex and resonant. Antique gongs often included precious metals such as silver and gold. A gong with the most precious metal construction and age produces the most complex harmonics. Enthusiasts and collectors seek ancient Chinese gongs for their precious metals value as well as for their unparalleled complex tones. Today, gongs are made of bronze, copper or tin, but no longer with silver or gold. Of all gongs, the least valued are those made by machines.
Types
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Chau gongs date back to the Western Han Dynasty and were made of copper alloy, bronze or brass. Chau gongs accompanied state processions. Xiao-Shou gongs or opera gongs consist of a smaller and a larger gong. Xiao-Shou gongs were made of bronze and still introduce performers in operas. Feng gongs, made from bronze, or brass. Feng gongs are also called Wind gongs or Lion gongs.
Considerations
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Ancient Chinese gongs are extremely rare and are collector's items. Travels through China, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan may give the traveler a chance to see and hear an ancient Chinese gong. Testaments to a forgotten age from a region of the world still shrouded in mystery to the Western mind, ancient Chinese gongs are priceless gifts that are honored where they still remain.
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.nostalgic-images.co.uk/Application/images/Woodstock/Chau-Gong-lg.jpg, http://www.magictails.com/abydos/images/mid-east/gongs/large/gong_bao_13.jpg, http://www.nostalgic-images.co.uk/Application/images/Woodstock/WST-WCBHGlg.jpg, http://www.wind-chime.biz/chinese_wind_gong_large.jpg, http://www.artdrum.com/IMAGES/PHOTOSDRUMSINSTRUMENTS/GONG_OPERA.jpg, http://www.carousel-music.com/images/circusstand.gif
