The Konghou is an ancient Chinese, plucked string instgrument. It is not of Chinese origin, but was introdued into China from the West
into the Han Danasty about 2,000 years ago. According to historical records, it was divided into the horizontal Konghou and the vertical Konghou because of difference in shapes. The Konghou became popular during the Han, Sui and Tang Dynasties when the playing technique reached a high level. During the past hundred years, however, this ancient musical instrument became virtually extinct. A group of music scholars and instrument craftsmen researched various historical documents, and in 1980, a new type of Konghou was born.