Koto (箏)

Japanese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

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.

#9320. Koto

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

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

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