This lantern slide shows International YMCA College, now Springfield College, alumnus Wen Lin Wang(class of 1921), who was born in Peking, China. He is sitting in a chair in the middle of a gymnasium, most likely the West Gymnasium in Judd Gymnasia, wearing traditional Chinese garb, and playing a sanxian. The sanxian is a Chinese lute with three strings, a long fingerboard, and no fret. The body is traditionally made from snake skin stretched over a rectangular resonator with rounded edges. In the late 20th century, a four-stringed version was developed. Similar to the banjo, the sanxian has a dry, somewhat percussive tone and loud volume. Most musicians play with a plectrum (i.e. pick), but some use their fingernails. Although the sanxian has historically been one of the most popular Chinese folk instruments, recent years have seen a major decline in the number of classical sanxian players. This has caused some to worry that the instrument’s rich playing traditions may be lost forever. Minor deterioration around edges; Text on border reads, "YMCA College S.C. Wang 1917, Chinese Student.", the name, though, has proved to be a mislabeling.;
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
