Name/Title
13 String Koto Musical InstrumentEntry/Object ID
E-11Description
13 string Japanese KotoUse
The koto (箏) is a Japanese plucked half-tube zither instrument, and the national instrument of Japan. Koto are roughly 71 inches in length, and made of wood. The most common type uses 13 strings strung over movable bridges used for tuning. 17-string koto are also common, and act as bass in ensembles. Koto strings are generally plucked using three fingerpicks (tsume), worn on the first three fingers of the right hand.Context
Possessing a long and storied pedigree, the koto was first introduced to Japan during the 7th and 8th century from China. When the koto was first imported to Japan, it was used only by the Japanese court to create music called “gagaku” (雅楽). The koto used in gagaku is called “gakuso” (楽箏). Over time, it came to be used not only as an ensemble instrument but also as an accompaniment instrument for the singer.Collection
El Camino College Anthropology MuseumAcquisition
Accession
77.4.1Source or Donor
George S. MuraokaNotes
leg missing, restrung. When exhibiting state: "gift of Takeyo Muraoka possibly made in 1920's".
E-1A: Box with set of extra string, E-11-B: leg, E-11-C: Silk drawstring bag, E-11-D: Small black plastic box w 3 finger picks, E-11-E: Missing pedestal, E-11-F: Wooden string holder.Ethnography
Cultural Region
* Untyped Cultural Region
JapanDimensions
Height
176.2 cmWidth
26.5 cm