Sihu, spike fiddle with four strings. (with bow 1975.510a) The wooden instrument and bow are lacquered black with carved and gilded decoration in relief. The body consists of a small hexagonal drum through which the spike of square section passes. The front is covered with a snakeskin membrane, while the back is filled with openwork gilt carving and a fret in green. The faces of the hexagon are filled with gilt representations of animals against a green ground. The neck has carved decoration of clouds and bats. Four pegs enter from the rear, decorated with sprays of blossom. The carved and gilded finial takes the form of a group of figures, probably representing the poet Li Po (A.D. 701-762)(pinyin 'Li Bai') , who is drunk and supported by his attendants. The bridge is low and flat and the strings are tied through a small hole in the bottom of the spike.
321.312-71 Spike box lutes or spike guitars sounded by bowing with a bow
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