Lute

Ruan

China
China

20th century

Length: 26

The Ruan is a short-necked moon-shaped fretted lute and is sometimes called the moon guitar. It comes in a variety of sizes and pitches that today ranges from soprano, alto, tenor to bass. There are 24 frets in half steps and four strings, tuned in fifths (like a mandolin), played by a plectrum. The Ruan name is a shortened form of Ruan Xian that dates back to 140-87 B.C.

Owner:
Catalog#:

© Hartenberger World Music Collection