Japanese Meiji Han Koto with Maki-e Lacquer Decoration

A rare Japanese Koto made from carved Paulownia wood and lavishly decorated with lacquer Maki-e circa late 19th century of Meiji Period (1868-1912). The facade of the stringed instrument features beautiful gold takamaki-e and hiramaki-e decoration. The image showcases a pair of peacocks with splendid plumage perched on rocks by a stream among flowering peonies below flying butterflies. Radan (mother-of-pearl) inlays were used to highlight the tails feathers of the peacock. The ends of koro are decorated with chrysanthemum blossoms inlaid with jade colored hardstone.
For similar koto dated in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, see accession number 69.271.3.
The Koto is considered the national instrument of Japan. It originated from the Chinese Guzheng but developed its own tradition in Japan since the 8th century. It was traditionally played as a form of entertainment in the imperial courts. Traditionally made of paulownia wood and set with thirteen strings played by being plucked with three fingerpicks, tsume, worn on the first three fingers of the right hand. The Koto presented here is meticulously and luxuriously detailed with auspicious decoration of peonies and peacocks which represent worldly power and wealth in Japanese culture. Therefore, this koto was likely created as a ceremonial gift, not meant to be played regularly but rather admired for its beauty and symbolism.