The Chau gong — also widely known as Csao gong in Hungarian and as Tamtam gong in international literature — is considered one of the most important pieces of ancient Chinese sound culture. This 80 cm diameter version is hand-forged and made of bronze, an alloy of refined copper and tin. On this piece, the rim and the central disc have been polished with extra care and the sound has been gently fine-tuned — that is why we call it premium quality.
The sound character of the 80 cm Chau gong
When struck, the gong produces cathedral-like, profoundly deep, vast dynamic sound that the larger diameter makes especially powerful in the low frequencies. The sound image can be divided into three layers: the fundamental tone, the rich midrange overtones, and the fine, high shimmer that unfolds in the first seconds after striking. You will immediately hear the difference compared to a smaller gong — here the diameter is not just an external feature, it is the soul of the sound.
The secret of the bronze alloy and hand-forging
The body is a bronze alloy forged from electrolytic copper and tin. The central disc and the rim carry a blackish copper-oxide layer, a natural consequence of hand-forging, while the rest of the surface is polished bright. Small bubble-like marks may appear on the surface — these are not defects, but the hallmarks of forging, and they affect neither the sound quality nor the durability.
Where does this Chinese gong come from?
The oldest known Chau gong was found in the Guixian tomb in Guangxi province, China, dating from the early Western Han dynasty, roughly 2000 years ago. Originally it accompanied the processions of officials: the number of strikes signalled the rank of the official, and the role of the sound was to purify the space ahead of the arriving party. Modern meditation practice revives this same ancient role — preparing the space and the attention.
Who is the 80 cm version recommended for?
We recommend this size if you are involved in large sound baths, concert-style sound meditation, professional studios, retreat centres. The 80 cm Chau gong is delivers enough volume for groups of 30 or more, making it a reliable choice not only for home practice but also for therapist and teacher work. Its sound is often described by our customers as something that lifts a whole weeks fatigue off their shoulders.
What is in the package and what to choose with it?
The package contains the gong itself and a soft-headed padded mallet, which is needed for a clean strike. A gong stand and a storage bag are available separately and warmly recommended: the stand provides stable suspension while the bag protects the precious surface during transport. Whichever way you use it, this gong will stay with you for decades.