Name of Instrument: sho

Maker / Brand:

Stearns Catalog #: 0704

Country of Origin: Japan

Region of Origin: Asia

Instrument Category: Aerophone

Date of Fabrication:

Location:

Description: This Japanese sho features an air reservoir of dark wood from which seventeen bamboo pipes protrude. Within each pipe is a free reed made of brass. The conical reservoir is laquered in black, silver and gold. The sho, which is descended from the Chinese sheng, is used in Japanese gagaku (court music). In performance, the sho can be heard playing both single-note melodies as well as clusters of several tones. This instrument was originally owned by Detroit Museum of Art (now Detroit Institute of Arts) prior to being transferred to the Stearns Collection.

Research: Stearns Staff