Clarinet
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1800 - 1904
Materials
silver, gilt, coral, mother-of-pearl, precious & semi-precious stones
Measurements
580 mm (H); 120 mm (Dia)
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107387
Summary
This is a silver clarinet (shawm) used in religious ceremonies in Tibet. The bell of the clarinet has a repoussé floral design; the shaft of the instrument is smooth. In several places over the clarinet, the wish-granting jewel can be seen in gilt with inlay. In the centre there are two phoenixes with inlay of turquoise, coral, mother-of-pearl and ruby. The clarinet has seven finger holes and one thumbhole and is telescopic for portability. It is similar to the shehnai instrument that is used in India and Nepal. 'A silver clarinet, partly gilt and enriched with enamels and precious stones' (Christie's entry)
Provenance
Purchased in 1986 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund from Francis Curzon, 3rd Viscount Scarsdale (1924-2000). Gifted to the National Trust in 1987 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.