Zhu (instrument)

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The zhu (筑) was an ancient Chinese string instrument. Although it is no longer used, three very old specimens in varying degrees of preservation survive. [1] One with five strings, dating to approximately 433 BC, was discovered in the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. [2]

Little is known about the instrument but it is believed to have been a zither that was rectangular in shape, with silk or gut strings that were played with a slender stick. Although ancient sources state that the instrument was struck (implying that the stick was bounced on the string in the manner of a hammered dulcimer in order to elicit sound), it is possible that it was actually plucked with the stick in the manner of the Korean komungo.