The qin 琴 – later known as the guqin 古琴 (ancient zither) to distinguish it from other instruments called qin in the 20th century – has been played in China for over two thousand years. More than just a musical instrument, it embodies the Confucian ideals of self-cultivation and communal harmony, exemplified by the wenren (“literati” or “scholar-officials”) that have shaped China’s cultural landscape since the Song dynasty.

 

This exhibition explores the evolution, symbolism, and role of the qin in Chinese culture through objects dating from the Han dynasty to the 20th century. Recordings by Dr Kee Chee Koon bring the qin to life, and a video by master craftsman Ning Qunhui reveals how the unique voice of each instrument is created.