Silk, a natural fiber as iconic to China as paper and gunpowder, has long been associated with fine fabrics and clothing. However, its influence extends into the realm of music, where it was historically used in the strings of many traditional Chinese instruments. In fact, the term “sizhu,” which translates to “silk and bamboo,” refers to string and wind instruments in Chinese culture, reflecting the significance of silk in ancient music.
Instruments like the guqin, erhu, sanxian, and pipa originally used silk strings, though most modern iterations use steel or nylon. Despite this shift, these instruments remain classified as “silk” under the “bayin” system, an ancient method of categorizing instruments based on their primary materials.
1. Guqin
The guqin is a seven-string zither and one of China’s oldest musical instruments, dating back over 3,000 years. With a length of approximately 120-130 cm, this plucked instrument was more than just a tool for music; it was a cultural symbol among Chinese scholars. Historically, the guqin was one of the “four arts” that educated individuals were expected to master, alongside chess, calligraphy, and painting.
The design of the guqin reflects Chinese cosmology: its curved upper soundboard symbolizes the sky, while the flat lower board represents the Earth. Initially, the instrument had five strings, symbolizing the five elements in Chinese cosmology—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Two additional strings were added during the Zhou dynasty.
Guqin players produce sound by plucking silk strings while pressing inlaid markers on the wooden instrument to create different tones. This ability to generate a vast range of sounds made the guqin integral to Chinese culture, often appearing in paintings as a symbol of refinement. Famous figures like Confucius and Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi were known guqin players.
In Hong Kong, the Choi Chang Sau Qin Making Society, founded by guqin artisan Choi Chang-sau in 2011, continues the tradition of crafting these intricate instruments through over 100 steps, honoring a long-standing heritage.
2. Erhu
The erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument, often compared to the Western violin but with several distinctions. Its body consists of a resonating sound box, traditionally covered with python skin, and a slender stem. Unlike the violin, the erhu has no fingerboard. Musicians slide their fingers along the strings without pressing them to the stem, producing its distinct, haunting tones.
Originating from the xiqin during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), the erhu’s name reflects its foreign roots—“er” means two, and “hu” translates to barbarians. Despite its later introduction, the erhu has become a central instrument in traditional Chinese music, valued for its expressive, emotional sound. Today, eco-friendly versions of the erhu are produced using modern materials like renewable plastic, ensuring this ancient instrument remains relevant in contemporary settings.
These instruments, with their deep historical ties and evolving forms, continue to highlight the enduring cultural significance of silk in Chinese musical tradition.
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