Sanxian (long necked lute)
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Alternative TitleSanxian. |
InstrumentSanxian |
Instrument FamilyStrings |
Place MadeChina ; Asia |
Date MadeProbably 19th century |
DescriptionTechnical description: Wooden soundbox covered top and bottom with glued-on snakeskin. Long and narrow wooden neck terminating in a spatular-shaped peg box. Instrument originally had 3 strings and 3 pegs. Tuning peg is elongated. Both top and bottom faces are damaged; all strings missing; 2 tuning pegs missing. Performance technique: The three (historically silk but more recently of nylon or steel) strings, which hold a short bridge against the snakeskin head, are usually tuned to intervals of a 4th (between the low and middle strings) and 5th (between the middle and high strings), or vice versa. Other tunings are occasionally found as well. In performance, the soundchamber rests on the player’s right thigh, the neck extending out to the left at an upward angle. Strings are plucked using fingernails or a small plectrum. Specific literature references: Possibly the 'San heen, Chinese', lent by Messrs J. & R. Glen in Edinburgh Society of Musicians 1894, item 46. |
NotesP.R. Cooke, 1995. |
Measurements885 |
ProvenancePurchased with assistance from the Government's Local Museums Purchase Fund and the University's General Council Trust, 1983. |
CollectionMIMEd ; Glen Collection |
Accession Number1250 |