Saw U

late 19th century

Not on view

The saw u is the lowest sounding member of the Thai bowed string family. Similar to the Cambodian tro u, it has a body of coconut shell. and like the Chinese spike fiddles the bow's hair are fitted between the instrument's silk strings. It was introduced to Thailand in the 15th century and was once only played for royalty.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Saw U
Date: late 19th century
Geography: Thailand
Culture: Thai
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: 29 1/2 × 4 in. (74.9 × 10.2 cm)
Height (Of bow): 26 in. (66 cm)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted
Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Object Number: 89.4.287
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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Sō Sām Sāi, Coconut, skin, ivory, mother-of-pearl, Thai — Sō Sām Sāi
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Saw Duang, Wood, bone, ivory, metal, Thai — Saw Duang
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Saw U, Coconut shell, ivory, wood, twine, Thai — Saw U
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Su̧ng (ซึง), Wood, wire, Thai — Su̧ng (ซึง)
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Klong mēng (ฆ้องเหม่ง), Brass, wood, Thai — Klong mēng (ฆ้องเหม่ง)
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