Yangqin (揚琴 )
This dulcimer is found in orchestras and small ensembles but is more at home in the regional opera of Guangzhou (Canton). Evidence suggests that the yangqin first appeared in the southeastern province of Guandong during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), indicating diffusion by sea from the Middle East rather than by the usual overland Silk Road. Unlike plucked lutes, which have silk or nylon strings of varying thicknesses, the yangqin has strings of copper or steel, which are beaten with flexible bamboo hammers.
Artwork Details
- Title: Yangqin (揚琴 )
- Maker: Shop of Refined Tones, Guangzhou (Canton)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
- Date: 19th century
- Geography: Canton, China
- Culture: Chinese
- Medium: Wood, brass
- Dimensions: L. 31 13/16 x W. 11 5/8 x H. 3 15/16 (±80.8 x .±29.6 x 10 cm)
- Classification: Chordophone-Zither-struck-dulcimer
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.18a, b
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Chinese
19th century
Chinese
early 20th century
Shop of Refined Tones, Guangzhou (Canton)
late 19th–early 20th century
Jiu-cheng
19th century
Chinese
1368–1644
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