Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s2.t3.3

v2.c11.s2.t3.3

*Five-stringed pipa with spiral shaped cowrie shells in red sandalwood as Tang Dynasty treasure product. It originated in the Western Regions of the ancient times, and entered the central plains of China during the northern Wei Dynasty. It obtained its determining features during the Tang Dynasty. Later, it was kept at Shōso-in treasure house, belonging to the Tōdai-ji and Nārā, Japan.*