Xun

The Xun is an ancient Chinese vessel flute with over 7,000 years of history. This instrument is unique to Chinese culture and is one of the oldest musical instruments found in China. Traditionally, the xun is egg-shaped with a flattened base and is typically crafted from clay or ceramic. It has between five and seven finger holes and is blown through a large hole at the top. Its simple design yields a haunting and mellow tone that has made it an important element of Chinese music throughout history. The xun holds a significant place in the musical traditions of China, used both for ceremonial purposes and in modern performances. It is commonly found as part of the traditional Chinese orchestra, especially in pieces that call for a deep and meditative sound.

History of the Xun

The xun is one of China’s oldest musical instruments, with origins tracing back to more than 7,000 years ago. It is believed to have been inspired by hunting tools known as “stone meteors,” which were used by early humans to hunt birds and animals. These stone tools would produce a whistling sound as they were swung through the air, possibly inspiring the development of primitive wind instruments. The xun evolved over time, initially being made from stones or bones and later from clay or ceramics. Various shapes have been documented, including oval, spherical, fish-shaped, and pear-shaped, but the most common form is pear-shaped. During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), the xun became a staple of traditional Chinese music, often featured in court ceremonies and religious rituals.

Anatomy of the Xun

The xun is a type of aerophone, specifically a closed-mouthed wind instrument. Its body is egg-shaped, and it features at least three finger holes on the front and two thumb holes on the back, with some modern versions having up to ten finger holes. The blowing hole is positioned at the top, and the instrument is played by directing air into this hole, similar to blowing across a bottle top. Unlike the ocarina, which contains a fipple, the xun has an open mouthpiece, allowing the player greater control over the airflow. The xun can vary in size, with larger xuns producing lower pitches and smaller ones producing higher tones. Generally, there are two main sizes:

• Large Xun: Shaped like a goose egg, with a flattened bottom and six holes, it has a lower pitch.
• Small Xun: Shaped like a chicken egg, it produces a higher pitch.

Material and Crafting Process

The xun was initially made from stones and bones, later transitioning to clay and ceramic materials. Some versions have also been crafted from bamboo. The traditional xun is typically made from baked clay, giving it a natural and earthy tone. Below is a brief overview of the process of making a xun:

1. Start with a ball of smooth, earthenware clay about the size of an apple. The clay is wedged thoroughly to remove air pockets and ensure uniformity.
2. The clay is shaped into an egg-like form and then set aside to become leather hard, allowing for easier cutting without deformation.
3. The form is cut in half and hollowed out to create the resonating chamber. The halves are then rejoined using slip (a mixture of clay and water), with scored edges to ensure a strong bond.
4. A blowing hole is drilled at the top, and a labium is carved opposite to create a suitable airflow for sound production. Finger holes are marked and drilled to achieve the desired tuning.
5. The xun is left to dry and is fired to harden it, creating the finished product.

Playing the Xun

Playing the xun requires skill, particularly for the higher notes. To play it, the xun is held below the lips, with the bottom resting against the player’s chin. The player blows across the top of the instrument, using their lips to control the direction and intensity of the airstream. The xun has a range of about one octave, and the pitch is altered by opening or closing the finger holes. A distinctive feature of the xun is the need for precise breath control, as it lacks a fipple to guide the air. Advanced techniques include using the lips to shape the airflow and create various tonal effects. The tone of the xun is often described as dark, haunting, and meditative, suitable for pieces that evoke a reflective or mournful mood.

Fingering and Tuning

The pitch of the xun is determined by the total open area of the finger holes. Larger xuns produce deeper tones, while smaller ones have a higher pitch. Xuns usually have eight holes: six on the front and two on the back for the thumbs. This setup allows for a total of nine diatonic notes. The exact pitch of the xun depends on the size of the blowing hole and the placement of the finger holes, with tuning adjustments made during the crafting process by altering the size of these holes. Each xun is unique, and thus no two xuns have exactly the same pitch. The player uses both hands to cover and uncover the finger holes, producing different notes and creating melodies.

Maintenance of the Xun

To maintain a xun, it is important to:

• Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove fingerprints, moisture, and dirt.
• Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the interior of the instrument, being careful not to scratch or damage the clay surface.
• Store the xun in a protective case to shield it from dust, humidity, and physical damage.
• Avoid exposing the xun to extreme temperatures or humidity levels, as this could cause cracks in the clay.
• Apply a light coat of natural oil occasionally to maintain the clay’s integrity, especially if the xun is made from more porous materials.