19th – 20th Century A.D.
The sanxian (三弦) is a traditional Chinese instrument in the lute family. Sanxian have long, fretless necks, bodies made from snakeskin stretched over a rounded, rectangular resonator, and three strings. A sanxian is played by using a plectrum to pluck the strings with the right hand while the left hand presses on the strings along the neck to produce different pitches.
Traditionally, sanxian accompany an ensemble of other traditional Chinese instruments; however some solo pieces do exist. The sanxian is commonly found in nanguan (南管) and jiangnan sizhu (江南丝竹) ensembles, but is also a popular instrument in Peking Opera arrangements.
