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Ūd

1977
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
This elaborately decorated instrument is a modern version of the Arab 'ud, whose history in the Near East reaches back to the seventh century. The instrument's vaulted back is made of fifteen ribs (probably African mahogany) separated by patterned striping. The varnished spruce top has three fretwork roses made of white plastic surrounded by inlaid borders of abalone, plastic, colored wood, and brass triangles. The fingerboard inlay is decorated to match. The bent-back pegbox holds the lateral pegs for six double courses of strings.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ūd
  • Maker: Les fils de Gamil Georges (Egyptian)
  • Date: 1977
  • Geography: Cairo, Egypt
  • Culture: Egyptian
  • Medium: Wood, various materials
  • Dimensions: L. 82 cm (32-5/16 in.); W. 38.7 cm (15-1/4 in.); D. 21 cm (8-1/4 in.)
  • Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-unfretted
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Harold H. Krechmer, in memory of her husband, Harold H. Krechmer, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.143.1
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

Audio

Cover Image for 9369. Ūd

9369. Ūd

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[audio clip from “Resounding Treasures, Ud”] ALLEN RODA: The Üd is the ancestor of the European lute, the Chinese pipa, and the Japanese biwa. Its origins date back to the 1st century, but the current design appeared in the Near East around the 7th century. It diffused eastward along the early silk road and toward the west with the Moors. Its name, al-ud, was linguistically corrupted by Europeans who called it the lute. This beautifully decorated instrument was made in Syria in the 19th century. This musical excerpt features the virtuoso American Ud player, George Mgrdichian.

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