Zither

Heart-shaprd Zither "Streichzither"

Munich, Germany
Western Europe

Spruce, ivory, mother-of-pearl, metal
ca. 1840-60’s

Length: 18 ¾ inches; Width: 12 inches; Depth: 1 ¼ inches

Bowed zithers evolved in Austro-Germany during the 19th century. They had four strings and a fretted fingerboard, and are played with a bow while placed on a table or in the player's lap. The first prototype was the heart- shaped body (Streichzither) that extended the full length of the fret board. It was made by Johann Petzmayer of Munich, in 1823. In the next few decades numerous variations of the string zither began to evolve. This “Streichzither” has ivory tuning pegs and extensive ivory trim.

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC

© Hartenberger World Music Collection