China
Chinese

Wood, gilt gold, metal strings, lacquer
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)
Length: 24.75 in, Width/diameter: 14.5 in, Depth: 2 in
Chordophones – Lutes

A yueqin with Kang Xi Mark, Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).   The yueqin, also spelled yue qin, or yueh-ch’in, is also called a moon guitar.  Yueqin are often used for Beijing opera; however, these have two single strings, only one of which is actually used, the lower string being there purely for sympathetic resonance.

This instrument features a black painted body and neck with four metal strings and long stylized tuning pegs. The four strings are  tuned in courses of two (each pair of strings is tuned to a single pitch), generally tuned to the interval of a perfect fifth.  Occasionally, the body of the yueqin may be octagonal in shape.  There are also 18 raised frets which extend onto the body of the instrument. The head has Chinese writing on it in gold, matching the gold scenes depicting on the front and back of the body of the instrument, and the geometric/floral designs which are featured on the sides of the instrument. The front of the body has a scene of women in traditional garb socializing near a stream with the moon out. The stream is near a house or temple. Floral images are prominent in this scene. The back features a similar design, with more Chinese writing and stamps near the top of the circular body (signature). Also, on the back of the neck is a painting in gold and copper of two peaches, symbolic of longevity.