White jade pendant 'Guqin', Qing dynasty, Qianlong

A carved, transparent and pure Hetian white jade pendant in the shape of a Guqin or qin (古琴) musical instrument, a type of lyre. It is in the form of a pendant with a hole at the top and delicately executed reliefs on the front side. It shows the strings, the elements of the instrument and decoration on the head. At the top is a string with an agate bead from the Zhou dynasty. In very good condition. 

This is a traditional Chinese stringed plucked instrument that has an extended register, a deep timbre and a lengthy sound. It is the highest status instrument that ranks among the four arts "Qin, Chess, Calligraphy and Painting" of antiquity. Over the centuries many works have been composed on this instrument and it is also used as an accompaniment for singing and reciting poems. In Chinese culture it represents elegance and outstanding talents. The literati are devoted to it and consider its practice an essential skill for personal growth.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

Size: 8.1 x 0.9 x 3 cm; Weight: 44 g