| Classification | |
|---|---|
| Related instruments | |
| |
Theyazheng (simplified Chinese:轧筝;traditional Chinese:軋箏;pinyin:yàzhēng; also spelledzha zheng orzha cheng) is a Chinesestring instrument.[1] It is a traditionalzither similar to theguzheng butbowed by scraping with a rosined stick or ahorsehair bow, (or plucked sometimes). Themusical instrument was popular in theTang dynasty, but is today little used except in the folk music of some parts ofnorthern China, where it is calledyaqin (simplified Chinese:轧琴; traditional Chinese:軋琴).[2]
The zhazheng is generally played while seated on the floor. It has a tone similar to that of aviola, but raspier. Some contemporary players prefer to use an actual horsehair bow rather than a stick, believing the sound to be smoother. The instrument is used in court, aristocratic, and folk music, as well as in contemporary classical music and film scores.
The Koreanajaeng (hangul: 아쟁; hanja: 牙箏) is derived from theyazheng.[3][4]
In 2002, thePeople's Republic of China released apostage stamp featuring the instrument.
Thezhengni (筝尼) is a similar instrument used by theZhuang people of the southern Chinese region ofGuangxi. After passing toJapan,it became aAssō (nihongo: 軋箏,hiragana: あっそう) andRyukyu,Japan, it became ateisō(nihongo: 提箏,hiragana: ていそう). InVietnam, it became anha tranh inNhã nhạc.
 | This Chinese music article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
