Koto (箏)

20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
Koto music was introduced into Japan during the Nara period (710–794) and developed in the court. It gradually entered the homes of the rising commercial class, where it was considered a sign of refinement. This instrument is decorated with scenes from The Tale of Genji, a classic work of eleventh-century Japanese literature.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Koto (箏)
  • Date: 20th century
  • Geography: Japan
  • Culture: Japanese
  • Medium: Various woods, ivory, metal, nylon, tortoiseshell, abalone, lacquerwork
  • Dimensions: 8 × L. 74 3/4 × 10 in. (20.3 × 189.9 × 25.4 cm)
  • Classification: Chordophone-Zither-plucked-long zither
  • Credit Line: Gift of the Todes Family, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.470.3
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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