Skip to main content

P’i p’a

Alternate name(s)
  • Short-neck lute
  • Pipa
Date1900-1940 ca.
Place MadeChina, Asia
Serial No.none
SignedSmall adhered paper label in Chinese characters just below last fret. Dark ink on aging paper makes it difficult to decipher.MarkingsnoneDescriptionCarved out wooden body and neck (as is traditional) with wooden belly; detachable head held in place by tension of strings; four (4) large wooden frets nearest nut and ten (10) smaller descending onto the belly - it doesn't appear that any are missing; bone veneers above and below large wooden frets; bone bushings on tailpiece/bridge; ane bone/celluloid/plastic on top side of tailpiece/bridge; metal chimes inside

One (1) silk string extant, though it has broken and been tied

Four (4) carved wooden pegs with hexagonal motif; peghead with phoenix tail type finial
DimensionsOverall height: 990 mm
Width: 300 mm
Body thickness: 35 mm
ProvenanceObtained from Ellis Houghton, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, 1942.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number01497
On View
Not on view
Electric guitar
Fred Gretsch Manufacturing Company
1963
Psalmodikon
1790-1850 ca.
Erhu
1900-1925 ca.
Tambura
1900-1925 ca.
Toy ukulele
1940 ca.
We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site or by closing or clicking "I agree", you agree to the use of cookies. I agree