An Initial Exploration of the Historical Development and Origin of the Guzheng

Abstract

The guzheng (ancient zither), also referred to as han zheng, qin zheng, yao zheng, and luan zheng, is hailed as the “King of Music” and the “Eastern Piano.” It holds a significant place as a plucked instrument within the realm of traditional Chinese musical instruments, serving as a unique and important national treasure in China’s musical landscape. Dating back to the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE) and the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), it gained popularity in Shaanxi and Gansu regions. In 237 BCE, Li Si vividly depicted a traditional guzheng performance in his correspondence with Qin Shi Huang, describing the performer’s actions and the captivating music, henceforth leading to the instrument being commonly referred to as “Qin zheng.” He wrote, “The performer strikes the drum and beats the fou (an ancient Chinese percussion instrument), plays the zheng while rhythmically patting their thighs, and sings with deep emotion. The authentic music of Qin delights both the eyes and ears.” This study endeavors to delve into the origin and evolution of the guzheng, providing a dependable resource for the vast community of guzheng enthusiasts and practitioners.