Koto and Dragon

The Koto has a lot of parts named after ”dragons” such as 'ryukaku' (dragon antler), 'ryuzetsu' (dragon tongue) and 'ryushu' (dragon hands).

In China, ancient people worshipped dragons as the symbol of the nobility.

It was said that Ryu (Dragons) were usually living in the water and rose up to the sky to bring the blessing of rain in the spring.

So they became the symbol of the rich harvest and good luck.

When the Koto came to Japan from China, it was used as one of the instruments of Gagaku which was the court music of ancient Japan.

People likened a Koto to the form of a noble Rye (Dragons).

And they put a figurative name derived from dragons to each part of it.

When I imagine the Koto is a small Ryu (Dragon), I am charmed with it.

And I also think I have to treat it more carefully.

＊The picture is an authorized copy from ‘Futamiya-Gakki’

http://www.geocities.jp/futamiya_gakki/