Chinese Sheng, 19th century - Public domain dedication. Metropolitan Museum of Art image.

The sheng gained popularity during the Zhou dynasty, when it was often used to accompany court singers and dancers. Later it found its way to the general public and became a common instrument at public concerts, fairs, various folk festivals and other events. In 1740 Johann Wilde travelled to China, where he became acquainted with the sheng and is credited with introducing it to Europe. However, some believe that the instrument reached Europe several centuries earlier. In 1978, excavations in Hubei Province unearthed several shengs dating back more than two thousand years. In the early 19th century, one element of the instrument was the prototype for the invention of the harmonium and accordion.