Han Koto

Wakamura workshop

ca. 1891 · Paulownia wood, lacquer, red coral · Musical Instruments

Han Koto — Wakamura workshop

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 69.27.1 (biwa) and 69.271.2 (shamisen).

Artist
Wakamura workshop
Date
ca. 1891
Medium
Paulownia wood, lacquer, red coral
Culture
Japanese
Department
Musical Instruments
Credit line
Gift of the Estate of Mary Flagler Cary, 1969

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