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Lute

Sanxian

China
China

Wood, ivory, snakeskin
ca. Mid 20th century

Height: 39 x 6 x 3 inches

Sanxian is a Chinese fretless 3-string plucked (Northern) lute. The body is made from snakeskin stretched over a rounded rectangular resonator. It is often used as an accompanying instrument in folk ensembles, as well as in "silk & bamboo" ensembles and orchestras of traditional Chinese instruments, though solo pieces and concertos also exist.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC