Chinese Instruments

Click to enlarge Bahu	Bahu - This Chinese reed instrument looks like a normal side blown bamboo flute, but has a copper reed in the square mouthpiece, similar to that of the Xiao. The sound is between a flute and a harmonica. This is an instrument of south minority cultures brought into use in the 1960s. With only 9 tones, it produces mellow and charming sounds. The Bahu is popular among the Miao, the Hani, the Yi, the Tai and other minority groups in the Yunnan province of China.
Click to enlarge Banhu	Banhu - Two stringed Chinese violin. The huqin family includes similar instruments called Erhu, Zonghu, Gaohusihu and Junghu. Has a wooen head. Used primarily in North China. Popularized in the 17th century during the Qing Dynasty.
Click to enlarge Cha	Cha Cymbals - Popularized in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Now made from high tin bronze. Commonly used in Peking Opera.
Click to enlarge Dagu	Dagu - This large drum originated in ancient times from the Han people in China. Head is made of stretched Ox skin.
Click to enlarge Erhu	Erhu - Two stringed Chinese violin. The huqin family includes similar instruments called banhu, zonghu, gaohu, sihu and jinghu. Originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Very popular with horsehair bow. Snakeskin use is evironmentally controversial.
Click to enlarge Hulusi	Hulusi - The Hulusi is a free reed instrument from China. It was originally used primarily in the Yunan provice by the Dai and other non-Han ethnic groups, but is now played throughout China. Hulusi has a very pure clarinet-like sound.
Click to enlarge Jinghu	Jinghu - Higest pitch, two stringed violin. The huqin family includes similar instruments called erhu, zonghu, gaohu, sihu and banhu. Used primarily in Beijing area, performs melodies and coordinates with vocal parts.
Click to enlarge Luqing	Luqing - A fretted lute with ofur strings is a close relative of the European lute, Middle Eastern lute and the Japanese Biwa. Came to China from Central Asia by way of te "Silk Road" in the 5th Century. Popularized during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
Click to enlarge Muyu	Muyu - A hollow carved block of wood originally used to accomany Buddhist chants. First written account during Ming Dynasty (1398-1644).
Click to enlarge Pipa	Pipa - A fretted lute with four strings. Is a close relative of the European lute, Middle Eastern lute and the Japanese Biwa. Came to China from Central Asia by way of the "Silk Road" in the 5th Century. Popularized during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
Click to enlarge Ruan	Ruan - Ruan is a moon-shaped short necked lute dating back to (140-97 BC). The name is a shortend version of Ruan Xian, a musician and one of the "Seven Sages of Bamboo Grove" of the 3rd Century. The Ruan is now constructed as a family of soprano, alto, tenor and bass; a development intended to increase its range and effectiveness in mondern Chinese orchestras.
Click to enlarge San Xuan	San Xuan - 3 string, snake skin banjo. Popular use in Chinese opera.
Click to enlarge Sheng	Sheng - Bamboo pipe (mouth) organ. Each pipe has a brass reed similar to the Western harmonica. Invented in China about 3,000 years ago. First appeared in 551 BC during the Zhou Dynasty.
Click to enlarge Suona	Suona - Chinese Oboe/Trumpet. First appeared in the Wei and Jin period (200-420). Popularized in the Zhengde period (1506-1520) of the Ming Dynasty.
Click to enlarge Tong Luo	Tong Luo - Gongs come in many sizes and pitches. They are said to have originated in the writinngs of Emperor Hsuan Wu (500-516 AD).
Click to enlarge Xiao	Xiao - Vertical flute popularized in the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). Produces a soft and delicate tone. Notched at top of flute.
Click to enlarge Yanqin	Yanqin - Yan Qin, the hammered dulcimer is found in many countries worldwide including Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. It's appearance in China occured sometime during the Ming Dynasty (1398-1644).
Click to enlarge Zheng	Zheng - Also known as Guzheng, Zither, Koto. Chinese forerunner of the Japanese Koto and the Korean kayagum. Originated 2,300 years ago and is one of the oldest plucked string instruments in China.
Click to enlarge Zhudi	Zhudi - Horizontal flute. Invented in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and named "Seven Star Tube." Popularized in the Tuan Dynasty (1279-1368 AD). Played with a rice paper diaphragm.