Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Implements, Volume 4

Ying original: 應; "to respond" is like "breast" original: 膺 (yīng); implying something held close or a receptiveness. It means to respond to things and receive them. It is small. Therefore, the small drum is called the Ying. It is used to respond to the sound initiated by the large drum. The Little Spring original: 小春 (Xiǎochūn); a specific type of small drum is also called a Ying, as it is used to respond to the rhythm of the Great Spring original: 大春 (Dàchūn).

The Du

The Du original: 牘 (dú); a ritual percussion instrument made of bamboo is made of bamboo. The long ones are seven feet in length, and the short ones are three feet. They are used to mark the rhythm of the music. The Master of the Mouth Organs original: 笙師 (Shēngshī); an official in the Ministry of Rites described in the Rites of Zhou original: 周官 (Zhōuguān) is in charge of them.

The Ya

The Rites of Zhou states that the Master of the Mouth Organs is responsible for teaching the Ya original: 雅 (yǎ); a ritual vessel-drum in order to teach the Gaixia original: 祴夏 (Gāixià); one of the ritual melodies used during court sacrifices. Its shape resembles a lacquered bucket with a flared opening. It is two spans in circumference and five feet, six inches long. It is covered with sheepskin original: 羊韋 (yángwéi). There are two rings on the sides, and it is decorated with sparse paintings. It is held by the performers of the Military Dance original: 武舞 (Wǔwǔ) to regulate the movements of the dance.