Kenong Japan from the Javanese Gamelan Kyai Rengga Manis Everist

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NMM 9890. Kenong Japan in Laras Slendro and Pelog. Larger than the kenong (9886 and 9887). Two bronze pots suspended by red cord attached to teakwood frame. Decorated with flower and leaf pattern covered in gold leaf. Length (frame): 101.7 cm. Mallet (tabuh) with red cord wrapped very close to one end creating a soft, springy, oval shape that comes in contact with the pots.

Function:  The kenong Japan is not often used in gamelan music today. It is a structure instrument similar to the kenong. Its function is to play at specific places within a composition depending upon its structure.

Playing technique:  The kenong Japan is played with a mallet like the one used for the kenong. The player sits on the floor and strikes the node (or highest point) of the pot with the soft end of the mallet.

Go to Checklist of Musical Instruments from Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan

Go to The Manufacture and Ceremonial History of the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan

Go to The Arrival of the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan in Vermillion, July 15, 2000

Go to The Naming Ceremony for the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan, April 26, 2003

Go to Glossary of Terms Relating to the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan

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