Kane (instrument)

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The kane or shō ( or ?) [kane] is a type of bell from Japan. In the gagaku music this instrument is called shōko.

Japanese Kane bell.jpg

Often accompanying Japanese folk music, or Min'yō, is a dish-shaped bell called a "Kane" (?). It is often hung on a bar, and the player holds the bell in place with one hand, and beats the Kane with a specialized mallet with the other. There are two specific sounds that the Kane makes, and the Japanese call them "chin" and "kon." "Chin," is when the mallet hits the interior sides of the bell, while "kon" is when the mallet hits the flat round inner face. It is also used in Buddhism or Shinto ceremonies like a gong.

A bell-shaped "kane" (?) is sometimes used as a musical instrument, but the term kane, regardless of size, is generally limited to those found in Buddhist temples. These are commonly used as time signals or alerts in Japan.　See Japanese bells.

A bell charm called a "Suzu" (?) is also used as a metallic musical instrument. See Suzu.

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