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Most mōsō biwas have tear-shaped bodies, but this rustic fish-shaped example was probably used by a wandering Buddhist monk. Biwa traditions began with blind priests who traveled from village to village singing sutras. The fish is an auspicious symbol of Buddhism signifying wakeful attention since most fish lack eyelids and remain alert.
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Title: Mōsō Biwa (盲僧琵琶)
Date: 19th century
Geography: Japan
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Wood, silk
Dimensions: 36 1/2 × 7 7/8 × 5 in. (92.7 × 20 × 12.7 cm)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Accession Number: 89.4.2088
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