Guan, northern China, ca. 1950 Click on images below to see larger images NMM 5031. Guan, northern China, ca. 1950. Cylindrical, double-reed instrument, introduced in its earliest form (bili) into China from the Kuqa kingdom of Central Asia during the pre-Tang period (500 AD). Common throughout northern China among village Taoist and Buddhist practitioners. Two sizes of reeds are used to facilitate key changes, both made from riverweed. Guan reeds are much larger and thicker than suona reeds, although they are also wrapped with wire. The entire reed is inserted into the mouth, like the suona. Overall length (including reed): 25.8 cm. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979. Views of Guan Reed Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From East Asia on Display at the NMM National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD   57069 ©National Music Museum, 2007 Most recent update:   December 3, 2007 You are the 313th visitor to this page since December 3, 2007. The University of South Dakota Return to Top of Page