NMM 5031. Guan, northern China, ca. 1950. Cylindrical, double-reed instrument, introduced in its earliest form (bili) into China from the Kuqa kingdom of Central Asia during the pre-Tang period (500 AD). Common throughout northern China among village Taoist and Buddhist practitioners. Two sizes of reeds are used to facilitate key changes, both made from riverweed. Guan reeds are much larger and thicker than suona reeds, although they are also wrapped with wire. The entire reed is inserted into the mouth, like the suona. Overall length (including reed): 25.8 cm. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.