Khim

thumb|right|A butterfly-shape khim with two hammers|270x270px The khim ( ; ;  ) is a stringed musical instrument derived from the Mesopotamian or Persian Santur. It is similar to the Hammered Dulcimer or Cimbalom. This khim was introduced to Thailand from China, where a similar (though, since the late 20th century, usually larger) instrument is called yangqin. It is played with two flexible bamboo sticks with soft leather at the tips to produce a soft tone. This instrument can be played by either sitting down on the floor with the khim on the floor, or by sitting on a chair or standing while the khim is on a stand. The khim produces a bright and expressive sound when played. It is made of wood, with brass strings that are laid across the instrument. The Australian-born musician and vocal artist Lisa Gerrard specialises in the use of a khim hammered dulcimer, featuring its music on several albums and performing with the instrument live on tour. thumb|right|259x259px|Thai boy playing a khim

== History == The khim came to China from Persia during the Ming-Qing dynasty (1368-1911) and was popular in northeast Guangdong. At the end of the Ayutthaya period, Thai people obtained the knowledge of how to build and play early versions of the khim from China. This instrument, along with its rise in popularity, came along with various other goods in trading arrangements with Chinese merchants. While the popularity of Chinese opera was rising, the instrument became popular due to its use within the opera group and this helped to further familiarise Thai people with the khim.