This lute is found only in North Vietnam, where it is used to
accompany professional female singers. Today, it is played only by men. No other country
in Southeast Asia has this instrument, which is believed to have been invented in the
eleventh century. The example shown here has a rosewood body. It is held vertically,
and its silk strings allow the musician to display great virtuosity.
Date Created: May 8, 2001 | Last Updated: August 19, 2009
This lute is found only in North Vietnam, where it is used to
accompany professional female singers. Today, it is played only by men. No other country
in Southeast Asia has this instrument, which is believed to have been invented in the
eleventh century. The example shown here has a rosewood body. It is held vertically,
and its silk strings allow the musician to display great virtuosity.
