Shi chi gen kin

Shi chi gen kin (Jap.: seven-stringed kin), koto of Japan, with curved, lacquered board tapering in width, with lateral indentations, and 7 silk strings; one of these is a melody string, the others are drones; 13 small mother-of-pearl discs are inlaid in the soundboard under the melody string to indicate the stopping points. The strings are tied to silk loops fastened underneath the board. The drones are played in sweeping arpeggios of the right thumb. Ca. 120 cm. (4 ft.) long (157, 178). Sort…