6. Konghou

The konghou is an ancient Chinese harp. The konghou became extinct sometime during the Ming Dynasty. It was revived in the 20th century as a double bridge harp. Its modern version does not resemble ancient ones, but its shape is similar to Western concert harps.

The konghou was used to play court music in the Kingdom of Chu. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), the konghou was used in qingshangyue (a music genre). Beginning in the Sui Dynasty (581-618), the konghou was also used for banquet music. Konghou playing was most prevalent in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. It was generally played in rites and ceremonies and gradually prevailed among ordinary people.

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