Yuping Xiao 1885 - 1895

Editor: Here we have a "Yuping Xiao," made sometime between 1885 and 1895 by Zhishan Zheng. It's a delicate, upright flute crafted from wood. It seems very simple and austere in its design. What strikes you most about this object? Curator: I see a direct connection to the earth in the use of bamboo for this flute. Its materiality speaks volumes. The selection of bamboo isn’t just practical, it's a conscious engagement with the natural world. We need to consider the labor involved in harvesting, preparing, and shaping the bamboo. It is all about materiality! Editor: So you're seeing beyond just a musical instrument. Can you elaborate on the production? Curator: Think about the socio-economic conditions that determined access to this type of craft. Who was involved in its creation? The musician is part of it, but who sourced and treated the bamboo, who added the calligraphy? What does this object tell us about the relationship between art, labor, and consumption in late 19th century China? How does this relate to trade? Editor: The blue chord tied to the bottom seems ornamental; how do you interpret this, knowing how you approach art? Curator: Even the blue chord plays into it! Its material speaks about trade networks and craft production too. It’s not just about decoration; it's about how different materials converge in a single object, each carrying its own story of production and exchange. I ask myself: what did craft mean at that time? Where does musical instrument making meet art? What status did the craftsperson have? Editor: This makes me rethink how something seemingly simple has layers of complex information embedded in it! Curator: Exactly! It challenges traditional ideas about what constitutes 'high art'. Examining this object through a materialist lens reveals hidden histories of labor, trade, and social structures, just by examining its making!