Koto

Asano Tōshichi

late 19th century · Paulownia wood, metal strings · Musical Instruments

A zither of falcon shape with European-style tuning pegs, keys and wire strings. Tohichi Asano of Kyoto made this paulonia-wood instrument either as an experiment or for trade. Decorative instruments may serve as trade items, as miniaturized maker's models, or as symbols with extramusical meanings.

Artist

Asano Tōshichi

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Paulownia wood, metal strings

Culture

Japanese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889