English: Santtsein, wooden ribs of soundbox, neck and scroll, with snake skin stretched over soundholes top and bottom surfaces. Ivory bridges and one ivory end pin. Three pegs, fluted and inserted laterally into a spatula-shaped scroll, string cord tying centre bridge to neck. Ivory nut and ivory capo attached to neck with string. Bamboo cane bow with horsehair strings 1 sanxian maker unknown, China, late 19th century wood, snakeskin, horn, 940 x 130 x 84 mm 1998.60.190 Castle 290 (presented Webb 1980) The san hsien or long-necked lute of the Han Chinese is a plucked instrument used to accompany classical opera or narrative songs. It is still in use today and its name translates to three string.