Pigeon whistle
A pigeon whistle of the gourd type. The pigeon whistle, known in China as geling 鴿鈴 or geshao 鴿哨, is a small musical instrument belonging to the Aeolian group of musical instruments. It is attached to the tail of a pigeon with the help of a spindle, so that it emits a sound when the bird flies. The whistle is usually made of light materials such as gourd and bamboo, and is lacquered. This specimen has two peculiarities typical for the gourd type of pigeon whistles in the Skušek collection. Pigeon whistles of the gourd type are on the small side and consequently have fewer pairs of sub-whistles. This whistle is also distinguished by its colourful exterior with floral patterns on a dark red background. It should be noted that it carries no engraved markings or logo, unlike the other five similar whistles in the collection of similar size, manufacture and floral patterns. (KH)
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