Koto (箏)

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Musical Instruments collection, this exquisite 19th-century Japanese *koto* (箏) exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of traditional Japanese music-making. Crafted from wood with accents of ivory, metal, and silk, the instrument measures an impressive 69 3/8 inches in length, tapering elegantly from 22 3/16 inches wide at the top to 9 1/2 inches at the base, and standing 3 3/8 inches high. As a chordophone-zither—a plucked long zither—it features strings stretched across a resonant soundboard, typically tuned with movable bridges and played using ivory plectra worn on the fingers. The *koto* holds profound cultural significance in Japan, dating back to the Nara period (710–794 CE) but reaching its zenith in the Edo period (1603–1868) and into the 19th century. It was a staple in imperial court music like *gagaku* and later in secular genres such as *sōkyoku*, accompanying poetry recitations and evoking the serene beauty of nature. The luxurious materials—polished wood for the body, ivory for decorative inlays and picks, metal for fittings, and silk strings—highlight the artisan's mastery, blending functionality with aesthetic harmony central to Japanese arts. A generous gift from Joseph W. Drexel in 1889, this *koto* offers visitors a tangible link to Japan's musical heritage, inviting reflection on how sound and silence intertwine in East Asian traditions.