



Xiao, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 18th–19th century
China, Fukien Province
Porcelain
China, Fukien Province
Porcelain
Diam. 1–1 3/8 in. (2.6–3.5 cm), L. 23 1/8 in. (58.7 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1988 (1988.91)
Bamboo is the typical material for end-blown flutes, but special decorative ones have sometimes been produced. This molded porcelain tube, marked "Lin Chao Jing," mimics bamboo and is decorated at each end with a vegetal meander, a "Greek key" pattern, and a leaf design. That the instrument is playable is remarkable, as probably only one out of two hundred fired would sound correctly.







