Dragon's Roar: Chinese Literati Musical Intruments in the Freer and Sackler Collections

This book explores the seven important qin zithers in the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M.Sackler Gallery, dating from the late Middle Ages to modern times. It challenges previous assumptions about the instruments' age and origins and provides insights into their construction and cultural significance. It is a valuable resource for art historians, music archaeologists, and enthusiasts of the qin zither.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

This lavishly illustrated volume delves into the seven significant qin zithers housed in the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M.Sackler Gallery. Spanning the period between the late Middle Ages and modern times, these instruments hold immense historical and cultural significance. The current assessment of early archaeological discoveries has pushed the origins of qin instruments back to the Bronze Age, heralding a new perspective on their development.

Yang Yuanzheng, in his comprehensive analysis, delineates three eras in the evolution of the qin zither and its surrounding cultural landscape. He meticulously examines the intricate construction of these instruments, challenging previous assumptions regarding their age and origins. Through these insights, the cultural importance of the qin zithers emerges, as does the unique nature of these instruments in the two galleries.

This volume serves as a vital resource for art historians, music archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, offering a profound understanding of the qin zither's rich history and its profound impact on classical Chinese music. The gentle sound of the qin zither, often heard in classical Chinese compositions, captivates listeners with its serene and enchanting qualities.

Weight: 1704g
Dimension: 247 x 307 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777434773