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The erhu is the traditional chinese violin, used widely in Chinese traditional music:
Chinese Erhu
The erhu is made from wood, with python skin stretched across the front. When the instrument is bowed the python skin resonates, giving the instrument its very distinctive sound. It has two strings, which are very close together. The player stops both strings with the left hand fingers while playing one string with the bow. The bow hair is positioned between the strings so that the bow is permanently attached to the instrument:
The bow position on an erhu violin.
Erhu Player
Listen to the erhu virtuoso Karen Han performing a beautiful solo piece:
Here’s an erhu soloist performing with the famous Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra: