Listen first, talk later

You are looking at the breathtaking ivory work on the back of this pipa, a stringed instrument dating to around 1700. The spectacular back of this pipa consists of more than 110 carved ivory plaques! The ivory plaques are cut into hexagons of similar size, neatly attached like puzzle pieces to the wooden body of the pipa.

But before we talk more, take a moment to listen to the sound of the instrument. What does the music make you think of? Whenever you are ready, go to the next step to see where this sound is coming from...