The Making of Bamboo Musical Instruments

Bamboo, plum, orchid and chrysanthemum make up the traditional "four gentlemen" of Chinese art history. Bamboo is also included in the "three friends during the depth of the winter" together with the pine and plum. For thousands of years, the bamboo has been a favorite subject among Chinese artists. A symbol of tenacity and uprightness, it holds a unique place in traditional Chinese culture. Because of the widespread cultivation of bamboo in China, it is commonly used to make musical instruments. The distinguishing feature of bamboo is its hollowness which makes for resonance. A piece of bamboo serves as a natural sounding box, and can produce a plaintive ethereal sound like heavenly music. According to historical records, there are about 10 bamboo musical instruments. Recently, however, this notion was changed by Li Jui-tsu, who held an exhibition of bamboo musical instruments at the National History Museum in Taipei, at which no less that 30 different types were on view. On these pieces were in scribed poems, tzus (a literary form prevalent in the Sung Dynasty), Chinese paintings and pieces of calligraphy. These works of art are the end products of 22 years of devoted labor. Li single-handedly did all the work, ranging from collecting suitable materials, designing, fashioning, polishing, finishing and sculpting. Now his years of work have brought him just reward in the form of wide acclaim from the public for his excellent workmanship. Li has been an avid collector of bamboo works of art in painting and calligraphy. His inspiration to make bamboo instruments came to him 22 years ago when a friend gave him a pair of kakemonos made of bamboo. "I was struck by their ethereal elegance, and I thought to myself: Why not make musical instruments out of bamboo?" At first, he made such items as hu chin, a Chinese violin with a bamboo sounding box, and erh hu, another type with a wooden amplifier in octagonal shape. He included them in an exhibition and recital held in Hong Kong, where the press was enthusiastic. Virtuosos in Cantonese music were unanimous in praising the excellent timbre of the instruments. These accolades prompted Li to produce a dozen more bamboo musical instruments, and even more followed, until the total reached about 30. These wind, string, plucking and percussion instruments are unique in the process of designing, peeling, cutting, assembling, fashioning, polishing and finishing. The production process is slow and arduous. First, the most suitable raw materials must be collected. Then, the bamboo is sterilized in lime water to protect it against rotting. The lime water is later rinsed off and the bamboo is placed in an airy place to dry out. Exposure to direct sunlight, however, must be avoided so that cracks won't develop. These procedures serve to increase the hardness of the bamboo. The drying process takes about six months. During this period, if any cracks develop or rot sets in, all the painstaking efforts are in vain. The polishing process demands equally painstaking endeavors. The bamboo poles are sandpapered, and pressure must be applied evenly to the accompaniment of an even rhythm.

At first, Li was too impatient to take so much care, until he found that the different parts did not dovetail evenly. Now, after a long trial-and-error period, impeccable dovetailing has been achieved. If the shades of color of the bamboo pieces do not match, they cannot be made into musical instruments, and they are instead used for plectrums, paperweights, knives and other items. The high standards Li has set for himself account for the quality of his products. During his 22 years' dedication to the art, he had only produced 30 items, which he regards as truly exquisite works of art. He has resisted many offers from would-be purchasers of his products. "Years of toil have gone into these pieces. They are my life's work. That is why I refuse to part with them," Li said. But he added that he is willing to give away his valuable collection to the National History Museum one day, so they can be preserved for posterity.