China
Chinese

Wood, metal strings, mother-of-pearl
Mid 20th century
Length: 46.2 in. (near edge); 30.5 in. (far edge)
Width: 20.1 in. (near edge to far edge); 
Depth of Resonator Box: 4.3 in.
Chordophones – Zithers

The yangqin or yang qin (pronounced young-ch’in) is affectionately called “butterfly harp” due to its unique shape.  It is a hammered dulcimer with 144 strings stretched over a trapezoidal shape base.  The yangqin is said to have been developed from a similar Indian instrument, the santur.  It was first introduced into China during the Ming Dynasty (1600 A.D.).  This hammered dulcimer instrument is also a very popular instrument in Taiwan.  It rests on a stand and the the metal strings are struck with two slender bamboo rubber padded beaters called qinzhu.