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  • Koto (箏), Various woods, ivory, metal, nylon, tortoiseshell, abalone, lacquerwork, Japanese

Koto (箏)

#9361

20th century

Various woods, ivory, metal, nylon, tortoiseshell, abalone, lacquerwork

Description

Koto music was introduced into Japan during the Nara period (710–794) and developed in the court. It gradually entered the homes of the rising commercial class, where it was considered a sign of refinement. This instrument is decorated with scenes from The Tale of Genji, a classic work of eleventh-century Japanese literature.

9361. Koto

Additional Information

Dimensions
8 × L. 74 3/4 × 10 in. (20.3 × 189.9 × 25.4 cm)
Credit
Gift of the Todes Family, 1986
Accession Number
1986.470.3

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