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Lira

possibly Küçük Izmitli Greek
ca. 1900
Not on view
The lira is a descendant of the rebec, a bowed folk and minstrel instrument of the late Middle Ages. The ancient type survives in Greece and other countries of the southern Balkans, but rarely as elaborately decorated as this one. Shown here without a bow, this lira has a reconstructed bridge.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Lira
  • Maker: possibly Küçük Izmitli (Greek, İzmit, active late 19th century)
  • Date: ca. 1900
  • Geography: Greece; Turkey
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Wood, tortoiseshell
  • Dimensions: Height: 15 7/8 in. (40.3 cm)
    Width: 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
  • Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Robert Alonzo Lehman Bequest, 2003
  • Object Number: 2003.378
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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