Sanxian (三弦 )

Chinese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

There are two forms of the sanxian: a large one from the North, with a thin metal plate attached inside to enrich the sound, and a smaller version from the South. Like the pipa, the sanxian may accompany narrative song, changing its tuning to accommodate the singer. The bat decorating the finials of this instrument is a symbol of good fortune and appears on many Chinese objects.

Sanxian (三弦 ), Wood, various materials, Chinese

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Sanxian (三弦 ), Wood, various materials, Chinese
Sanxian (三弦 ), Wood, various materials, Chinese
Sanxian (三弦 ), Wood, various materials, Chinese
Sanxian (三弦 ), Wood, various materials, Chinese
Sanxian (三弦 ), Wood, various materials, Chinese
Sanxian (三弦 ), Wood, various materials, Chinese

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