Xiao flutes have a history of over 400 years. These flutes are treasures among Chinese flutes. In the Ming and Tsing dynasty, Xiao flutes were designated tributes to the palace. So Xiao are also called "Tribute Flutes".

The Legend of the Xiao flute

There is a legend that hundreds of years ago, a man surnamed "Zheng" met a Taoist monk called "Deer Skin Fairy" when he was hurrying for an elite exam. They became best friends. One day, the Taoist monk picked up a piece of bamboo from the mountain and made a Xiao flute. The sound of his flute was extraordinarily touching. Later the Taoist monk had to leave for another place. Before he left he taught this friend Zheng the techniques of making Xiao. From then on the Zheng family began to make and sell Xiao flutes. This might have been the origin mentioned in a poem: "A fairy came to Yuping and left around ancient melodies".

From the historical perspective of the Xiao, I would say I am offering the feminine design which is slimmer in diameter and more mellow and sentimental sounding.

Built from cured Chinese stone bamboo, 30 inches in length. Concert pitch tuning. 6 tone holes with a thumb hole.

The bore, the inside of the flute is detailed in burgandy. A mix of red stain. Eco water based stain final application with hints of gold.
Brown thread bindings.

The mouthpiece is burnt with a selection of burning rods. Great mellow Asian sounds. MP3 on the way in the next days. 2/10/2010 Bunch of new flutes on the way this month!

Nicole can elaborately carve your Xiao with motifs of flying dragons or phoenix, landscape, as well as flowers and birds. $120 for the hand carved version. We will have this hand carved version on the site soon.