Collection
Gagaku Instrument: So, Named“Sanwa”
| Gagaku Instrument: So, Named“Sanwa” |
| Thirteen-stringed koto or zither By Priest Raison (b. 1186) of Chogosonshiji Temple, Mt. Shigisan, Nara Kamakura period, 13th century Gift of Ii Family |
The so is a 13-stringed instrument originating in China. This very early example dates from the Kamakura period, and was made by Raison (1186 – unknown), a well-known so maker. Although so were commonly made of paulownia, this example appears to use cedar, which provides a valuable point of discussion for the study of early so production.
