Han Koto
Wakamura workshop
ca. 1891 · Paulownia wood, 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 69.27.1 (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











