Zither

Original Language Title中國古琴

Artist Kimura Kôshô (Japanese, 19th century)

Date1800

MediumBlack lacquer on wood

DimensionsOverall: 4 × 55 1/2 × 7 3/4 inches (10.16 × 140.97 × 19.69 cm)

Credit LineGift of Robert H. van Gulik

Object number60-22

InscribedInscriptions inside the sound box, when translated: "Made in 1800, the 15th of the 8th moon, after the model of an antique lute in X's collection. Made under the supervision of the master of the Shôgyo-kaku. Hewn and lacquered by Kimura Kôshô"

On View

Not on view

Collections

East Asian Art

Terms

DescriptionA Japanese-made Chinese qinExhibition History

Exhibition History

Senses and Sensibilities in Chinese Painting, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 2/14/2008-2/15/2009

Emperors, Scholars and Temples: Tastemakers of China’s Ming and Qing Dynasties, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, August 12, 2016 – July 9, 2017.

Gallery Label

Since ancient times the seven-stringed qin (pronounced “chin”) zither has been the most prestigious stringed instrument in China. A musician plays the qin by plucking the silk strings with the right hand and controlling the tune and timbre with the left. Qin music sounds light, subtle and almost meditative. It is played more for self-amusement or for friends than for public performance. The Japanese adopted the qin from China. This Japanese version faithfully copies ancient Chinese qin.

Provenance

Robert Van Gulik;

His gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1960.

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