NMM 5594. Xiao, central China, early 20th century. End-blown, bamboo flute with notch cut into naturally occurring node. Sound produced by blowing across the notch. Flutes of this type, dating back to 5700 BC and carved from wing bones of the red-crowned crane, have been excavated in Henan Province. Xiao made of ivory, jade, bamboo, bone and porcelain have been found throughout China. Xiao may be played alone, in duet with qin or zheng zithers, or in small ensembles. Overall length: 74.2 cm. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

Notch at Playing End of Xiao