Pipa is the traditional musical instrument of China, which prevailed in the Sui and Tang dynasties (A.D.581-907). Depictions of Tang Dynasty folk music and court music can be seen on the Dunhuang frescoes. Pipa, rich in tone, or timbre, can express the mildness of running water and the magnificence of the high mountain during skillful performances. But pipa is a difficult instrument to master.
