Advanced Search
Yueqin
Alternate name:Moon guitar
Alternate name:Yüeh chin
Date: 1880-1900 ca.
Place Made:China, Asia
Serial No: none
Signednone
Markingsnone
DescriptionMoon guitar. Circular, wooden body with metal tongue inside that vibrates sympathetically when instrument is played. Two double courses of strings. Ten fretts. Round like the moon in its fullest stage, the yueqin’s name is also commonly translated as “moon lute.” Yueqin tradition dates to the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and is most often found today in Beijing opera ensembles and as accompaniment in dance songs. Recent changes to the tuning and number of strings were made in hopes of securing a position for the yueqin in Chinese orchestral settings. Played with a plectrum.
ProvenanceObtained from Ellis Houghton, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, 1942.
Terms
Credit Line: Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Not on view
Object number: 01534