Four-string biwa, 19th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Wood with lacquer and goldexpand_more
Bequest of John Scott Bradstreetexpand_more 14.101
Not on Viewexpand_more
Though its strings are now missing, this lute originally had four strings, making it a biwa, a plucked, stringed instrument with origins in Persia. It was transmitted to China (where it is known as pipa) around 2,000 years ago and to Japan by the 700s The oldest illustrations of The Tale of Genji that survive today, which were created around 1130, include a picture of one of the novel’s main characters, Prince Niou, playing a similar lute next to his pregnant wife, Nakanokimi.
Details
- Title
- Four-string biwa
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 14.101
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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