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Erhu
Alternate name:Spike fiddle
Alternate name:Tan chin
Alternate name:Hu ch’in
Date: 1900-1925 ca.
Place Made:China, Asia
Serial No: none
Signednone
Markingsnone
DescriptionCylindrical bamboo resonator covered with snakeskin. Two strings. Wooden bridge, a later replacement. Thin piece of metal inside resonator vibrates when played. Carved wooden back.
DimensionsOverall length: 620 mm
Depth of resonator: 101 mm
Diameter of resonator: 75 mm
Depth of resonator: 101 mm
Diameter of resonator: 75 mm
ProvenancePreviously owned by Reverend Emmons E. White, Manamadurai, India. By 1947, likely sold to Arne B. Larson, Brookings, South Dakota.
Correspondence from the NMM archives indicates that Larson may have received this from Reverend White, who served as a missionary in Tamil Nadu, India, in the early 1940s. In a letter dated March 1, 1944, White mentions his impending return to the United States and, specifically, his plan to bring musical instruments back with him.
Correspondence from the NMM archives indicates that Larson may have received this from Reverend White, who served as a missionary in Tamil Nadu, India, in the early 1940s. In a letter dated March 1, 1944, White mentions his impending return to the United States and, specifically, his plan to bring musical instruments back with him.
Terms
Credit Line: Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Not on view
Object number: 01530