Shamisen

Takechi Matsukawa|Wakamura workshop

1891 · Wood, catskin, rope, silk string, lacquer, red coral · Musical Instruments

One of a matching set of 3 stringed instruments that are decorated with a laquered design showing roosters and flowers. The biwa and shamisen (called samisen in Kyoto and Osaka) both use triangular-shaped plectrum, called bachi, while the koto is plucked with picks (tsumi) worn on the fingers. These instruments were not intended to be played, but were probably made as decorative gifts. See also 69.271.1 (biwa) and 69.271.3 (koto)

Artist

Takechi Matsukawa|Wakamura workshop

Date

1891

Medium

Wood, catskin, rope, silk string, lacquer, red coral

Culture

Japanese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of the Estate of Mary Flagler Cary, 1969