The sanxian (a long-necked lute) is a 3-string plucked instrument with snake skin heads. Owing to its distinctive acoustical properties - rich, full tonal quality, great volume and a wide range - the sanxian is widely used for accompaniment, orchestral and solo performances. Sanxian, with case.
A closely related musical instrument is the Japanese shamisen, which is derived from the sanxian but which generally uses cat or dog skin rather than snakeskin to cover its resonator. Even more closely related is the Okinawan sanshin, which is also covered in snakeskin.
