Saung Gauk is the national musical instrument of Myanmar.

A bow harp, which has been known since the 7th century. The instrument has a navicular body and the upper part of this body is covered with deer skin painted red and it seems very aesthetic under the long neck part made from acacia wood. The neck expands upwards and carries a plaque there representing the leaves of ‘Bo’ tree. The instrument is beautiful carved and is covered with gold leaf and decorated with small pearls and small pieces of mirrors. The 16 silk strings are stretched by cotton.

Throughout the history there were famous musicians who contributed in innovation and evolution of harp music, including Myawaddy Mingyi U Sa (1766–1853) who was responsible for increasing the number of harp strings from seven to thirteen, Konbaung court harpist, Maung Maung Gyi, Ba Than, a post-independence harpist, U Maung Maung Gyi (1855–1933) etc.

Until the 1800s, the Burmese harp and its music was exclusively used only for chamber music within the royal court, where it held status as the most prized of the court instruments. Since then, it has become popular with the general population.