Hawk-shaped Koto

late 19th century

Not on view

A zither of falcon shape with European-style tuning pegs, keys and wire strings. Tohichi Asano of Kyoto made this paulonia-wood instrument either as an experiment or for trade.
Decorative instruments may serve as trade items, as miniaturized maker's models, or as symbols with extramusical meanings.

Artwork Details

Title: Hawk-shaped Koto
Maker: Asano Tōshichi (Japanese)
Period: Meiji period (1868-1912)
Date: late 19th century
Geography: Kyoto, Japan
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Paulownia wood, metal strings
Dimensions: H. 20 in.; W. 9-1/2 in.; Thickness 2 in.
Classification: Chordophone-Zither
Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Object Number: 89.4.1549
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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By Asano Tōshichi

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Yayoi Goto, Asano Tōshichi Japanese, Wood, silk, Japanese — Yayoi Goto
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Nigenkin ( 二弦琴 ), Asano Tōshichi Japanese, Bamboo or kiri wood, Japanese — Nigenkin ( 二弦琴 )
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Nijugo Gen, Asano Tōshichi Japanese, Wood, silk strings, Japanese — Nijugo Gen
Asano Tōshichi
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San Gen Da Kin, Asano Tōshichi Japanese, Wood, wire, string, Japanese — San Gen Da Kin
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Gong Held by Oni, Metal, wood, lacquer, polychrome, Japanese — Gong Held by Oni
Japanese
late 19th century

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