End-blown trumpet
Date1850 ca.
Place MadeTibet, Asia
Serial No.none
SignednoneMarkingsnone
DescriptionCopper (body); brass (mouthpiece, ferrules, bell); turquoise (dragon's eyes); conical main tubing with fixed shallow-cup mouthpiece (no backbore), dragon's head bell; repoussé ferrules with flame pattern.
The Tibetan end-blown trumpet, or rkang-gling, was originally an instrument made of a human femur. Similar short metal trumpets, also referred to by this name, often terminate in a cast sea monster or dragon’s head, like the present instrument. The rkang-gling is normally used in pairs in rituals connected with the fierce deities, and for the announcement of ceremonial dancers; it produces a piercing sound. This particular rkang-gling is very similar to an instrument at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (1984.282), dating from the 19th century.
DimensionsLength (straigth line): ca. 385 mm
Tube length: 340 mm
External diameter (smallest, largest): 23 mm, 30 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 1998 from E. & J. Frankel, Ltd., New York, New York.
Published ReferencesKlaus, Sabine Katharina. Trumpets and Other High Brass: A History Inspired by the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection. Volume 1: Instruments of the Single Harmonic Series (Vermillion, SD: National Music Museum, 2012), pp. 14, 17, 274.
Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number07320
On View
Not on view
1850 ca.
1850 ca.
1800 ca.
1940-1960 ca.
1875 ca.
1900 ca.