Curved strings

…(3) Orthodox sanxian The large sanxian, which is a sorami, is called daisanxian or shokxian, and is used in the narrative music of otsuzumi in the north and in folk instrumental ensembles. In contrast, the small sanxian, also known as kugexian, is smaller in size and is used in the narrative music of danshi in the south, drama music such as Peking Opera Kunqu, and folk instrumental ensembles such as Jiangnan itochiku. Similar instruments are found throughout East Asia, and the sanxian was introduced to Japan and became the ancestor of the shamisen. …

*Some of the terminology explanations that refer to "curved strings" are listed below.

Source | Heibonsha World Encyclopedia 2nd Edition | Information

…(3)正調定弦　ソラミである，形の大きな三弦を大三弦または書弦といい，北方各地の大鼓という語り物音楽や，民間器楽合奏で用いられている。これに対し小三弦，別名曲弦は形も小さく，南方の語り物音楽である弾詞や，京劇崑曲などの戯曲音楽，そして江南糸竹などの民間器楽合奏に使われる。類似の楽器は東アジア各地にあり，また三弦は日本に伝わって三味線の祖となった。…

※「曲弦」について言及している用語解説の一部を掲載しています。

出典｜株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典 第２版について | 情報