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- Lute (Biwa) with Dragon and Clouds
Overview
Lute (Biwa) with Dragon and Clouds
- Museum No.
- HK139
Showing 1-6 of 3
| Title | Lute (Biwa) with Dragon and Clouds |
|---|---|
| Designation | |
| Artist | |
| Category | Lacquerware(H) |
| Country | Ryūkyū |
| Period | |
| Century | 17th |
| Year | |
| Quantity | |
| Materials | Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl inlay, ivory, and leather |
| Dimensions | |
| Inscription by | |
| Signature/Seals Etc | |
| Donor |
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This Chinese-style lute (C: pipa, J: biwa) likely comes from the Ryūkyū Islands, present day Okinawa. It has rosewood tuning pegs, an ivory bridge and frets, and a leather-covered soundboard with lions and peonies. Most remarkable is the backside of its body, which is inlaid with a five-clawed dragon, clouds, mountains, and waves in mother-of-pearl.
Ryūkyū Kingdom