High-Quality Koto 13 Strings Kurikō Ayasugi Carving Maki-e Decoration Waka Inscription Standard Length 185cm Japanese Musical Instrument

This was cherished by my grandmother.
I understand it was purchased for around 500,000 yen and is quite a valuable item.
A luxurious 13-string high-grade koto made of wood, featuring a beautiful kuri-ga (hollowed-out body) design.

1. Key Features of Ayasugi Carving:
Unique Design: Skilled artisans meticulously carve a zigzag, diagonal lattice pattern, one by one, using chisels on the inside of the koto (underside of the body).

Mark of a High-Quality Item: This is not found on standard practice kotos (which have namiko or sudare-bori carvings). It is a luxurious specification primarily used for advanced and concert-grade kotos known as kuri-ga.

① Improved Acoustic Effect (Adds richness and depth to the tone):
By creating uneven surfaces inside, sound waves reflect complexly, resulting in a unique depth and resonance in the tone.

② High Artistic Value and Asset Value:
The beautiful carving marks visible when looking through the soundhole (on the bottom of the koto) attest to its high value as a work of art.

③ Combination with Carefully Selected Materials:
Kotos with Ayasugi carving are typically made from dense paulownia wood (such as Aizu wood) that has been grown for 40 to 80 years.

About Kuri-ga:

1. Structural Highlight: Beauty of the Wood Grain
Kuri-ga refers to a technique where a single log is luxuriously hollowed out so that the body (top surface) and the underside are integrated.

Kuri-ga: The inside of the wood is carved out with special chisels, and the back plate is finished by being fitted in. As a result, there are no visible seams around the edges, creating a sense of unity as if it were carved from a single piece of wood, and allowing you to enjoy the flowing, beautiful wood grain.

2. Tonal Characteristics: Depth and Sustain
Kotos with Kuri-ga have a significantly different resonance.

Rich Sound: Most of these kotos feature Ayasugi-bori (wave-like carvings) inside. This optimizes the reflection of sound waves, producing a deep tone.

3. Luxurious Appearance (Edge Finishing)
Kotos with Kuri-ga also feature the highest quality decorative finishes.

- Type: High-grade Koto
- Number of Strings: 13
- Material: Wood
- Design: Kuri-ga
- Color: Dark Brown

★ Please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for a perfect, like-new item.
★ Please purchase only after agreeing to the product description.
★ Sold as-is.
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〖Packaging and Shipping〗
We plan to use a professional shipping service. After purchase, we will discuss pickup and delivery dates. The item will be professionally packed and shipped via Sagawa Express service.