Prayer Cymbals (Ting-shags)
ClassificationsTools and Equipment-musical instruments-cymbals
Date20th Century
Made AtTibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia
MediumCopper and fiber
DimensionsFlexible - rope extended across: 15 3/8 × 3 1/4 in. (39.1 × 8.3 cm)
Flexible - rope held up: 6 1/2 × 6 1/2 × 3 1/4 in. (16.5 × 16.5 × 8.3 cm)
Cymbal: 1 × 3 1/4 × 3 1/4 in. (2.5 × 8.3 × 8.3 cm)
Flexible - rope held up: 6 1/2 × 6 1/2 × 3 1/4 in. (16.5 × 16.5 × 8.3 cm)
Cymbal: 1 × 3 1/4 × 3 1/4 in. (2.5 × 8.3 × 8.3 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2015.26.53
DescriptionThis object is a set of small prayer cymbals, or Ting-shags. These cymbals are often used as a tool of personal meditation and offering in Tibetan Buddhism, along with other instruments such as singing bowls or hand drums. Connected by a cord, the cymbals are held aloft and struck together horizontally upon their edges, producing a long, clear ringing tone. High quality cymbals are so exact in shape and size that they produce the exact same pitch. While meditating, the sound produced by the cymbals is said to summon spirits and is regarded as an offering symbolic of the five senses.On View
Not on view
19th to 20th Century
18th to 19th Century
