Mi-gyaung
In the 9th century several Burmese musicians were sent to the T'ang dynasty court. Among the instruments they presented to the emperor were the saung-gauk (harp), klene (mouth organ) and mi-gyaung, all chamber instruments. Mi-gyaung, means " crocodile-zither" in Burmese. Similar box zithers exist throughout Southeast Asia and, although the shape is not maintained, the reptilian name persists as chakhe in Thailand or kacapi in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mi-gyaung
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Myanmar (formerly Burma)
- Culture: Burmese
- Medium: Teak, strings
- Dimensions: D. 5 1/2 × L. 45 1/2 in. (14 × 115.6 cm)
- Classification: Chordophone-Zither-plucked-tube
- Credit Line: Gift of Miss Alice Getty, 1946
- Object Number: 46.34.67
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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late 19th century
19th century
late 19th century
late 19th century
late 19th century
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