Producer unknown to us
Haotong
Asia, Jinan
2nd half of the 19th century
Brass, tin, brazed
Eduard Wagner (engineer)
Purchased by the museum from Wagner in 1911
OAs 07422
The Haotong is a two-part brass instrument with a lower, slightly conical sound tube and an upper, slimmer blow tube that telescopes together. According to the records of collector Eduard Wagner, the instrument was played at ceremonial events such as weddings and funerals.
Eduard Wagner was one of the museum’s collectors in East Asia who focused his dedication on Chinese culture. Hence, he spoke Chinese himself. His devotion to Chinese music is particularly significant. He not only collected the most common musical instruments from his personal environment, but also documented who played which instrument on which occasion.
Dietmar Grundmann