Gongs

The gong is a bronze, disc shaped instrument that originated in China and spread throughout eastern Asia. Introduced into European orchestras in 1791, the gong played a leading role in the funeral march for the French revolutionary leader, Mirabeau. Gongs fall broadly into three categories – “Suspended”, which are more or less flat discs hung by a thick chord; “Bossed”, which are also often suspended but have a center protrusion that resembles a button; and, “Bowl Gongs”, which rest on pillows, and are very similar to singing bowls but are struck with a mallet rather than rubbed. The gong has an extremely arresting and sonorous sound, and is often used for sound therapy. Each gong sold at Gandharva Loka has been carefully selected for the depth of its sound and resonating qualities.