Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s1.t1.8

v2.c11.s1.t1.8

Ancient Kucha had various kinds of instruments such as kugo, pipa, five strings, flute, Sheng, Xiao, Hichirki, Maoyuan drum, Duyun drum, Dala drum, waist drum, Kakko, Jilou drum, bronze drum, cowry, Tan zither, Houti drum, Qi drum, Yan drum etc, among which Kakko was a special traditional percussion instrument in Kucha music. In the 10th year of Kaihuang Period (591 CE) of Emperor Wen of Sui, Kucha music was popular in the palace and folk and even people from emperors to common people in Tang Dynasty were all fond of playing the Kakko. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang often composed Kakko music and played by himself. He could perfectly play 92 Kakko songs of Kucha music including *Yeposeji* and *Kucha Dawu*.