Yueqin, China, late 19th century Click on images below to see larger images NMM 1534. Yueqin, China, late 19th century. Moon guitar. Two double-courses of strings. Ten frets. Circular, wooden body with metal tongue inside that vibrates sympathetically when instrument is played. The yueqin’s name is also commonly translated as "moon lute." Yueqin tradition dates to the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The instrument is most often found today in Beijing opera ensembles and as an accompaniment in dance songs. Played with a plectrum. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979. Front and Back Views of Pegbox Tailpiece and Lower End Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From East Asia on Display at the NMM National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD   57069 ©National Music Museum, 2007 Most recent update:   November 30, 2007 You are the 361st visitor to this page since November 30, 2007. The University of South Dakota Return to Top of Page