The Bao Gong is very different from other gongs in that it features a raised boss, or nipple, in the center. For this reason they are often referred to as nipple gongs. They have a very clear beautiful tone without much of the shimmer found in other gongs. In fact they have more of a bell sound with a distinctive pitch while still producing the subtle harmonic overtones. They are available in a range of sizes with smaller ones having a higher pitch and larger ones having a deeper pitch.
Our bao gongs are made with traditional methods by artisans in China. They are made from a bronze alloy, the exact composition is passed down from generation to generation, but it is roughly 80% copper and 20% tin. The crafting process is a mixture of hand hammering and working the bronze on a lathe while carefully heating and cooling the metal. The result is a spectacular sounding, very beautiful musical instrument.
Historically in China the bao gong was considered a sacred gong, and it was often found in temples. Today bao gongs are featured in almost any environment, and they immediately garner the center of attention in any space whether they are indoors or out.
