Back to Gallery

Lute

Japanese "Biwa"

Japan
Japan

Wood, Mother of Pearl, Ivory
ca. Early 20th c.

Length: 37 inches

The Biwa, a Japanese short-necked fretted lute, is used in narrative storytelling. It is the chosen instrument of Benten, goddess of music, eloquence, poetry, and education in Buddhism. The Biwa is played with a Bachi (plectrum)

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AS-CHLT-18