Yangqin (揚琴 ) 19th century

This Yangqin, or dulcimer, was crafted in Guangzhou, China by the Shop of Refined Tones. The instrument's trapezoidal shape, framed by dark wood, immediately strikes the eye. The light wooden soundboard is punctuated by circular soundholes with intricate, almost lace-like, ivory or bone inlays. Notice how the strings stretch tautly across the surface, anchored by tuning pegs. The geometric precision isn't merely decorative; it is structural. The arrangement of strings and bridges dictates the instrument's tonal range and character. This design embraces a visual code, where each component contributes to the instrument's function. The crafting of this instrument speaks to the artisan’s intimate knowledge of acoustics and material properties. This is not simply a musical tool, but a careful articulation of form and function, tradition and innovation.