Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Koto

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French version

Koto

琴琴
alternative words: Japanese zither, Sou, So, Zither
keywords: china , music
related topics: Nara period
related web sites: http://kiuchi.jpn.org/souhome.htm
explanation: A zither imported from China during Nara period. Initially having small size (about 1 m long) as an ordinary zither with 5 cords, it has evolved to become longer (about 1.8 m) with 13 cords. Laying horizontally, the note is controlled by tiny moving bridges set under each cord. The musician puts small picks on her thumb and first two fingers of the right hand and the left hand is used to control the note.