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1938.34.190

Transverse flute, ti-tzu, of bamboo with bone ends, 8 finger-holes, and membrane-covered buzzing hole between finger-holes and sound-hole. Narrow bands of thread lacquered black. 6 finger-holes two holes at rear and two at end for tuning.

On display

1938.34.190

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Collection type
Object
Description
Transverse flute, ti-tzu, of bamboo with bone ends, 8 finger-holes, and membrane-covered buzzing hole between finger-holes and sound-hole. Narrow bands of thread lacquered black. 6 finger-holes two holes at rear and two at end for tuning.
Geographical reference
China
Asia > Eastern Asia > China
Person
Field collector Thomas William Taphouse
PRM source Henry Balfour
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1908
Date collected
By 1908
Acquisition information
Bequeathed: 1939
Materials and processes
Material Bamboo Plant, Material Membrane, Material String, Material Lacquer Varnish, Process Perforated, Process Bound, Process Lacquered Varnished, Process Covered
Dimensions
Diameter: max 25 mm, Length: max 619 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1938.34.190 Other numbers: 10.277
Associated publications
This object features in the Museum's audio tour produced in 2010. Transcription as follows: “This is a flute from China known as a dizi. It looks like a fairly standard flute, played sideways and with 6 finger holes. However, you might notice that it has an extra hole between the mouth-hole and the first finger hole, next to the metal band. A fine membrane is placed over this hole and this vibrates with the blown air, adding a distinctive buzzing and nasal quality to the flute’s tone. This type of flute is very old, thought to have been developed several thousand years ago during the Han dynasty in China. The membrane is a very thin sliver of young bamboo and is traditionally glued into place with erjiao, a type of Chinese cough medicine made from the bone-marrow of donkeys. Since donkey bone-marrow may not always be available, sticky garlic juice can also be used. You’re about to hear the opening of a piece played on a dizi flute. GuSu Xing (The Song of GuSu) is a popular solo piece depicting a walk through the historical city of GuSu's famous gardens. This extract describes the garden in the stillness of the early morning light.” (Written by Isabell le Carré and Helen Hales) References • Jenkins, J. L., Musical Instruments, London: Horniman Museum (1977)

Search terms: Music, Musical Instrument, Flute

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