3526052 Pipa, c.1600 (wood, ivory, bone, silk) by Chinese School (17th century); 94 long cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; (add.info.: The pear-shaped lute slowly migrated from Central Asia into China during the Han and Sui dynasties (1st-7th century)and eventually became the pipa, played with a plectrum. This Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) instrument is decorated with over 110 hexagonal ivory plaques, with thinner bone plaques on the neck. Each plaque is carved with Taoist, Confucian, or Buddhist figures and symbols signifying prosperity, happiness, and good luck. ); Chinese, out of copyright.