"Sheng (mouth-organ)"

The raised wings of the mythical phoenix, the symbol of virtue and grace, are represented in the shape of the pipes of this woodwind instrument which sounds similar to a harmonica. It is often played as a virtuosic solo instrument, and today it is commonly used in the modern Chinese orchestra.13 of the pipes are equipped for reeds, the other four are dummy pipes. The player closes the side hole of the pipe he wishes to sound.

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Sheng (mouth-organ)

Alternative Title

Sheng.

Accession Number

2104

Collection

MIMEd

Date Information

Date Made

(1973)

Period

20th century; 1970s

Gallery Information

Gallery

Laigh Room

Case

Classical instruments display

Maker Information

No information recorded.

Made In

City

Shanghai

Country

China

Description

Technical Description

Chromium plated bowl-shaped wind-chest (circumference: 310mm, height: 80mm), with elongated mouthpiece (length: 90mm); 17 bamboo pipes of varying length inserted into upper surface of wind-chest (1 pipe missing),14 pipes with one finger-hole and an elongated hole at the inside defining the length of the vibrating air coloumn, pipes equipped for free beating reeds at the bottom (inside the chamber); brass reeds, three(?) pipes muted.

Provenance

on loan to the Collection.

Classification