Ichi gen kin

Ichi gen kin (Jap.: one-stringed kin), single-stringed koto of Japan, said to have been invented at Suma in 901 A.C. The string is stopped by the left hand at positions marked off by small, circular insets in the board, and plucked with a plectrum. Made of kiri wood or bamboo, ca. 110 cm. (43 in.) long and 11 cm. (4¼ in.) wide (157). Piggott, Francis. The Music and Musical Instruments of Japan. London. 1909.