Yangqin
Alternate name(s)
- Hammered dulcimer
- Yang ch’in
Maker
De Shang Company
Date1900-1925 ca.
Place MadeCanton, China, Asia
Modelnone
Serial No.none
SignedChinese characters printed in red on soundboard, translated: Canton city, Hao-pan Street De / Shang / Company / producedMarkingsChinese characters printed within a cartouche on the soundboard, translated read: Makers of fine Stringed instruments
DescriptionHammered dulcimer played with two bamboo beaters. Trapezoidal, hardwood body, sometimes referred to as hudie qin ("butterfly qin") with two out-stretched wings. The yangqin was brought to China by seafaring merchants and is first documented in the coastal province of Guangdong in south China during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Historically, the character for yang has been understood to mean "foreign"; however, its meaning changed over time to be understood as "elevated" or "acclaimed." Typically mounted on an ornately carved stand.
DimensionsHeight: 770 mm
Width: 300 mm
Depth: 90 mm
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number02439
On View
On view
1900-1925 ca.
1925-1935 ca.
1960-1973 ca.
1700 ca.
1920-1935 ca.