Pipa; Ming dynasty (1368-1644); late 16th-early 17th century; China; Chinese; Wood; ivory; bone; silk; L. 37 x W. 9 15/16 x D. 1 1/8 in. (94 x 25.3 x 2.9 cm); Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted; The pear-shaped lute slowly migrated from Central Asia into China during the Han and Sui dynasties (1st-7th century). It eventually became the pipa; the term describes the original playing motion of the plectrum held in the performer's right hand: p'i; 'to play forward' (toward the left); and p'a; 'to play backward' (toward the right)