Used since the Western Han Dynasty 206 B.C. to invoke a tone for meditation, healing, or communication, this is the traditional chau gong. Dating back 23 centuries, it was revered by ancient warriors, Chinese emperors, and Buddhist priests who believed that upon hearing the gong, worries would cease and wisdom would grow. Hand-hammered from brass by Chinese artisans in Wuhan, the flat-faced gong is suspended by a thin nylon cord to optimize sonic resonance inside an ash wood frame that occupies a footprint of 17" W x 8 1/2" D. When struck with the included 9 1/2"-long nylon-padded mallet, it creates a rich 15-second long harmonic tone that can be used to signal the start of a ritual, announce a proclamation, or achieve spiritual peace and enlightenment. 19 1/2" H x 17" W x 8 1/2" D. (6 lbs.)