Hammer-dulcimer (Yanggeum)
Korean
Description
Subject Matter:
The name means 'western zither' and is a percussion instrument that produces a metallic sound from the strings when struck. The paper used in the case is not traditional Korean paper, which suggests that the item is an import. An ink inscription reading 'chilyeonjyu' appears on the inside of the cover.
Physical Description:
A trapezoid base with 56 lengths of metal strings divided into 14 sets. Each set is wound around the pegs on each end. The inside cover is lined with paper and an x-shaped paper bracket is attached which holds the striking stick. The striker is a thin, carved bamboo stick.
With a name that literally means “Western zither,” this melodic percussion instrument produces a clear metallic sound when its metal strings are struck with a thinly carved bamboo stick. Strung over its trapezoid base board are fifty-six lengths of wire divided into fourteen sets, so that each set comprises four lengths of wire wound around the pegs on the left and right sides. The inside of the cover is lined with paper; the same paper has been used to create an X-shaped bracket to hold the stick. The fact that this is not Korean traditional paper suggests that the yanggeum is imported. An ink inscription reading “chilyeonjyu (칠연쥬)” appears on the inside of the cover.
[Korean Collection, University of Michigan Museum of Art (2017) p. 289]
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