Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Koto (Japanese Harp) Bridges, c. mid-1950s |
Object Name |
Component, Musical Instrument |
Description |
14 Japanese Koto bridges, c. mid 1950s, plastic, ivory-colored, shaped like arches with a pointed end that has a notch on the top where the strings lay. The dimensions of the individual bridges vary from 2.125'' x 2'' x 0.625'' to 2.250'' x 2'' x 0.625''. The bridges are stored on an octagonal plastic container, ivory-colored with a transparent lid. |
Date |
c. mid-1950s |
Creator |
Unknown |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Medium |
Plastic |
Catalog Number |
2019.048.001.3A-P |
Dimensions |
H-1.5 W-5.25 D-5.25 inches |
Collection |
3D - Musical Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
"TRADE MARK" (Embossed on the bottom of the case, has a symbol of waves within a circle between the words). |
Provenance |
Used by Laura Watanuki of San Mateo. |
Notes |
"The koto is a Japanese stringed musical instrument derived from the Chinese zheng, and similar to the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum, and the Vietnamese dàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about 180 centimetres (71 in) length, and made from kiri wood (Paulownia tomentosa). They have 13 strings that are usually strung over 13 movable bridges along the width of the instrument. There is also a 17-string variant. Players can adjust the string pitches by moving the white bridges before playing. To play the instrument, the strings are plucked using three finger picks (thumb, index finger, and middle finger)." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koto_(instrument) 09/17/2019] |
Search Terms |
Japan Japanese History Music Music Equipment Music Industry Musical Instrument Musical Instruments Watanuki, Laura |
Subjects |
Music Musical instruments |
People |
Watanuki, Laura |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Laura Watanuki |