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.

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