The black silk strings on her jewelry were a passing fashion.
Most Korean string instruments use silk strings, except as noted.
With silk strings, the sliding sound might be called the qi or "life force" of the music.
Recently in China, production of very good quality silk strings has resumed and more players are beginning to use them.
The xiqin had two silk strings and was held vertically.
Thus, silk strings are slightly more difficult to play.
Because silk strings break easily, there are very few that survive from the past dynasties.
Players formerly used silk strings, but since the late 20th century have generally used nylon.
With a really good qin, silk strings, and a perfectly quiet environment, all the tones can be sounded.
Its body is made from a special type of coconut covered on one end with animal skin, and it has three silk strings.