CHINESE GONG

(January 1998)

CHINESE GONG. (75K) Painted brass. China, late 19th-early 20th century.

DESCRIPTION

This brass gong is cast in the shape of a platter with upturned sides, resembling somewhat the straw hat with large brim worn by many Chinese. The painted script, reading from right to left, translates as "Rui-chi Company," probably the name of the shop. Made of metal, the gong gives out a clanging sound as a signal recognized by all. It therefore functioned as an excellent attention-getter for the store. Sometimes shopkeepers sounded a gong to advertise their wares and draw attention to their store.

ORIGIN OF GONGS

According to Chinese tradition, gongs came from the country of Hsi Yu in the western region, between Tibet and Burma. The gong is mentioned in writings during the early sixth century, in the time of Emperor Hsuan Wu (AD 500-516).

GONGS AS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Gongs are percussion instruments of either definite or indefinite pitch, in the form of a circular metal plaque usually made of brass or bronze. In China, musical instruments are traditionally classified into "eight categories of sound" according to the material from which they are made: metal, stone, clay, skin (drums), silk (strings), wood, gourd, and bamboo.

The formula for a more prized bronze gong or one made of brass varies from 70% to 80% copper and 30% to 20% tin, or a compound of copper and tin with the addition of lead, iron, or zinc. In most cases the gongs are cast, hammered, and smoothed, and then tuned, polished, and decorated. Chinese gongs can vary in size from two inches to two feet in diameter, and are suspended by a cord and struck with a heavy beater with felt or wool covering.

Gongs are used in several ways. In processions the gong drives away evil spirits, announces departure aboard a ship, frightens the "celestial dog" during eclipses when it is about to devour the moon, it is the signal on the outbreak of fire, and in songs it marks the tune. A small gong may announce the candy peddler and his cart of sweets. A large gong, however, may trumpet the approach of an official with his retinue. In Buddhist temples the gong is beaten to call the attention of the spirits.

There is another type of gong called the yun lo. This is a tuned set of 10 small gongs suspended in a frame, used in religious ceremonies and in orchestras. The tien tzu is a gong made of brass or iron, suspended at the city gates and in temples, varying from one to four feet in diameter.

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