The Qin exists in a realm beyond time. Its limpid tones echo through the centuries. Even its origins shrouded in a mythical past, claiming both Fuxi, (the progenitor of all living things) and Huang Di, the "Yellow Emperor" as its creators. In truth, the actual origins remain a matter of controversy, though archeologists have found similar instruments in Central Asia what is present- day Mongolia. Descriptions of the Qin and its performance in China date back as more than 3000 years and examples more than 1500 years old have been found in playable condition. One such instrument, a Tang Dynasty Qin, can be heard on this recording. The oldest musical notation written for a specific musical instrument ever found was the piece "Solitary Orchid" , dating from before 903 AD was composed for the Qin.The Qin is a type of zither, constructed from two pieces of wood; the bottom piece is flat and the top piece is convex. While modern Qin have considerable variety in shape and form, traditional Qin construction was deeply influenced by mystical and symbolic correspondences. For instance, the instrument"s length (in Chinese measurements) was said to represent the number of days in the year. The original Qin had only five strings (two strings were added at later dates by various Qin masters), representing the Five Chinese Elements: Wood - mu, Fire - huo, Earth - tu, Metal - jin, and Water - shui.The Qin"s simple construction and intimate tonal qualities were not only a canvas for musical expression but became a medium for spiritual growth, or as Robert van Gulik wrote in his essential study of the cult and culture of the Qin, The Lore of the Chinese Lute "...it is the only instrument the playing of which has been considered from ancient times as a means of reaching enlightenment."