Goto Teijo, Ninth Generation Goto Master (Japanese, 1603–1673)
Koto with Case
Japan, early 17th century; fabric koto wrap, 18th and 19th century
Various woods, ivory and tortoiseshell inlay, gold and silver inlays, metalwork; 5 1/8 x 9 1/2 x 74 5/8 in. (13.0 x 24.2 x 189.5 cm)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2007 (2007.194a-f)
Curator Comment
This rare acquisition is a tour de force of Japanese decorative and musical arts that is currently unparalleled in this country. Although a strong tradition existed since the eighth century, the foundations for modern Japanese koto music were formed during the seventeenth century. This koto, with its copious inlay and remarkable metalwork by Teijo, ninth-generation master and perhaps most skilled member of the famous Goto family of metalwork artists, documents this important musical development. It also reflects the status of its owner and the koto's role as a symbol of Japan. All but the instrument's playing areas are exceptionally decorated. Gold crane medallions set against a finely carved diaper pattern adorn the sides, which are framed in a virtuosic rendering of inlaid woods, horn, ivory, and wire that extends onto both the upper and lower surfaces. The ends, of tagayasan and shitan wood, are embellished with inlaid geometric patterns and metalwork lions and flowers in ivory frames. The elaborate black lacquered outer case, dating from the early nineteenth century, is decorated with gold maki-e cranes (symbol of the Karasumaru family) and geese, and its interior is lined with gold foil patterned with flying geese. The cloth wrap is composed of two embroidered silk fabrics of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century origin.
J. Kenneth Moore, Frederick P. Rose Curator in Charge, Department of Musical Instruments