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Sanxian (三弦 )

ca. 1900

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

There are two main forms of the sanxian: a large one from the North, with a thin metal plate attached inside to enrich the sound; and a smaller version from the South. Like the pipa, the sanxian may accompany narrative song, changing its tuning to accommodate the singer. The bat decorating the finials of these instruments is depicted on many Chinese objects and is a symbol of good luck.

Sanxian (三弦 ), rosewood, mother-of-pearl, snake skin, ivory, Chinese — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Sanxian (三弦 ), rosewood, mother-of-pearl, snake skin, ivory, Chinese

Sanxian (三弦 ), rosewood, mother-of-pearl, snake skin, ivory, Chinese

Sanxian (三弦 ), rosewood, mother-of-pearl, snake skin, ivory, Chinese

Sanxian (三弦 ), rosewood, mother-of-pearl, snake skin, ivory, Chinese

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Sanxian (三弦 )

Date: ca. 1900

Geography: China

Culture: Chinese

Medium: rosewood, mother-of-pearl, snake skin, ivory

Dimensions: L. 32 3/8 × W. 5 3/8 in. (82.2 × 13.7 cm)

Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-unfretted

Credit Line: Gift of Estate of Mrs. Alexander Glass, 1944

Accession Number: 44.51.1

Chronology

Central and North Asia, 1800-1900 A.D.

Chronology

Central and North Asia, 1900 A.D.-present

Chronology

China, 1800-1900 A.D.

Chronology

China, 1900 A.D.-present

Musical Instruments: Highlights of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Musical Instruments: Highlights of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Met

Musical Instruments at The Met

The Museum's collection of musical instruments includes approximately 5,000 examples from six continents and the Pacific Islands, dating from about 300 B.C. to the present.