The Palace Museum collection contains a bounty of articles related to Chinese music and opera. The diverse holdings include costumes, headdresses, stage props, and gramophone records. Other works include ancient scripts and painted depictions of the Chinese theatre. The collection also includes Qing dynasty musical instruments, such as those used in sacrificial rites and court audiences. Additionally, instruments from Western nations gifted to the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736-1795) further diversify the holdings. Although limited in quantity, instruments dating from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and earlier periods constitute a precious part of the collection. Treasured pieces include the Chinese zithers (qin) Enduring Sound of the Great Sage (Dasheng yiyin) and Jade Pendant of the Ninth Heaven (Jiuxiao huanpei).