Guqin (古琴 )
Liqun Xiong (1965- ) Chinese
Calligrapher Meilin Zhang Chinese
Not on view
The quqin (ancient zither), China’s ancient and venerated 7-stringed zither, has during its long history taken several forms. For many, the double-waisted profile of the classic “Confucian style" qin is the most familiar of the twelve or so that exist. This instrument is made in the "Lvqi style" (绿绮) is characterized by smooth, straight sides. The Lvqi (Green Silk) style was named after a qin given to Sima Xiangru (ca. 179-117 B.C.), a poet and musician, by the Prince of Liang. Sima later used it to woe his wife Zhuo Wenjun.