Clay, known for its versatility, is often associated with pottery, but it also plays a significant role in traditional Chinese music. One of the most intriguing clay instruments is the xun, a flute with thousands of years of history. First appearing during the Zhou dynasty (1046BC-256BC), the xun remains an important part of Chinese orchestral music today.
The xun, resembling an egg with a flat bottom, is a key member of the bayin, the eight categories of Chinese instruments classified by the materials used to create them. Modern xun flutes often have multiple finger holes, but the oldest known example, unearthed in Zhejiang province and dating back to 5000BC, had only one.
Although similar to the Western ocarina, the xun differs in that it lacks a protruding mouthpiece and is always crafted from clay. When played, the instrument produces a breathy, calming sound that is often meditative and melancholic.
The xun originated from a primitive tool used by hunters. Over time, it evolved into a musical instrument, with its shape and the number of finger holes becoming standardized during the Shang dynasty (1600BC-1046BC). The instrument’s five or seven holes allowed it to produce tones of the Chinese pentatonic scale.
During the Qin (221BC-207 BC) and Han (220BC-200AD) dynasties, two distinct sizes of the xun were developed. The larger, deeper-toned ya xun and the smaller song xun both became popular. The instrument gained mention in classical texts, including The Classic of Poetry by Confucius, where it symbolized harmony and familial love.
While the xun fell out of favor after the end of imperial rule, its revival in the 20th century has cemented its place in modern Chinese orchestras. Today, it is the only clay instrument used in ensembles like the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and is often featured in solo performances or paired with bamboo flutes and the guzheng, a Chinese zither.
The xun has also appeared in popular culture, such as in Tan Dun’s film scores and Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, where a Japanese version of the instrument, the tsuchibue, is featured.
Thanks to its timeless sound and modern revival, the xun continues to captivate audiences with its soothing and unique tone, bridging the ancient and contemporary worlds of music.
READ MORE: