Sanxian.wpntr2018-12-19T18:36:56+00:00A Chinese instrument with three strings Sanxian is played by pulling the strings. The top and the bottom part of the instrument are covered with snakeskin. The three strings of the instrument are played by a plectrum. The origin of the instrument is estimated to be from Western Asia. It is presumed that it is relative with the ‘Setar’ and ‘ Tanbur’. This instrument was moved to Japan later on and it became the one of the most important instruments and it was called as ‘Shamisen’ there. The instrument at the right is from Bai region of Yunnan. The pegbox shows Tibetian influence. Often you can find a hexagonal board of this kind of instrument instead of a round one. This instrument is played by a plectrum worn on finger. 