Konghou

Konghou is one of the most ancient Chinese music instruments that appeared in written texts of the Spring and Autumn period (around 600 BC). The structure of the konghou looks similar to the harp, with its bridges spanning the strings in the way similar to guzheng. There were the horizontal konghou, vertical konghou and phoenix-head konghou. Unfortunately not much of this ancient instrument has been preserved. The reproduction of the konghou started in the mid 1950s. The structure of Today's konghou is a combination of horizontal konghou and vertical konghou with the shape similar to the harp. The performing skill is diversified. Besides right-hand techniques, the left hand can play vibratos, glissandos, etc. The tone quality is mellow and graceful and has a typical Chinese flavor.