1.9 Maki-e Myoan
37mm O.D. / 22mm I.D.
Length: 555 mm
Weight: 350 gms
Root note: C#
Price: 70,000 yen
Maker: unknown
Details: There are times when a maker feels the need to embelish, or perhaps interpret an
instrument with visual embelishment. This is one such case. In length, this nobekan is between
a 1.8 and 1.9, however the wider than usual bore and lager than usual finger holes put
the pitch at that of a 1.9. Made in the Myoan style with deeply undercut holes, the outside
surface has been painted in the maki-e style depicting a tatsu-ryu (rising Japanaese dragon)
representing good fortune and strength. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese graphic art form using
different colors of Japanese laquer (urushi) often to depict very detailed images, as is the case
with this shakuhachi. Possessing a beautiful, mellow tone, this nobekan is beautifully
suited to meditative practice. The age of the instrument is estimated at pre WWII judging by
the general wear on the root end and by the slightly sharp chi.
Have a listen
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