Guqin made by Zhang Ruixiu of Suzhou

A seven-string guqin, a long zither with a dark lacquered wooden body, lies diagonally across a plain grey backdrop. Seven silk strings run the length of the board, and a tassel of gold-colored silk hangs from the narrow left end, with small mother-of-pearl markers visible along the surface.

Look closer: Small round mother-of-pearl markers are inlaid along the top of the board, catching light.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1584

Medium

Seven-string Asian long zither, chordophone, made from wood, lacquer, mother of pearl, and silk strings

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

3400 × 1362 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Charles G. King Jr. collection; Gift of Ralph King in memory of Charles G. King Jr.