Collection
Gagaku Instrument: Renkan, Named “ Yoshitsunemaru”
| Gagaku Instrument: Renkan, Named “ Yoshitsunemaru” |
| Flute Muromachi period, 16th century Gift of Ii Family |
The renkan combines the ryuteki and komabue, which are both side-blown bamboo flutes. This example was found on Chikubu Island, which was part of the Hikone domain. It is traditionally believed to have belonged to Minamoto no Yoshitsune(1159-89). The instrument used to be known by the nickname “Fresh leaves” because of the very unusual design, which retains an original twig on the upper back of the instrument.
