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Setār

1953
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
The setār (Persian: "three strings") originated around the fifteenth century. By the twentieth century, it had acquired a fourtvh string. Setārs　are used in classical repertoire and to　accompany singing. This unusual flat-backed version was designed for travel. It belonged to Ostad Elahi, who was able to produce a variety of sonorities with it, despite　its small size. In his hands, it was a　powerful instrument.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Setār
  • Maker: Ramazan Shahrokh (Iranian)
  • Date: 1953
  • Geography: Teheran, Iran
  • Culture: Iranian
  • Medium: Mulberry, walnut, wire
  • Dimensions: 5 1/2 × 1 × 26 3/4 in. (14 × 2.5 × 68 cm)
  • Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
  • Credit Line: Private collection
  • Object Number: L.2017.52.4a
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments