Kotoji
When you see the Koto, you can find the 13 small white parts on the body of the Koto.
They are called “Kotoji”.
“Kotoji” is supporting the string and adjusting the pitch by moving its position.
It was made of whale bones or ivory.
But recently, these materials are difficult to import.
So it seems that many people use the one made of plastic now.
“Kotoji” is one set with 13 pieces.
They are the same shape except for one piece.
The only one that has a special shape is called “Kinji” (photo on the left side).
It is used for the forefront string called “Kin”.
It can be hooked on the side of the Koto.
Originally, it seems that all 13 pieces were the same shape.
But in recent years, the material of string changed from silk thread to polyester or nylon and the strings came to be put with the strong tension than before.
Along with that, the “Kotoji” for the “Kin” came to be easy to fall down because its position is the nearest to the “Ryukaku (dragon antler)” and it receives the most pressure.
It seems that “Kinji” was devised to avoid it.
By the way, have you ever been to Kenrokuen in Kanazawa? In Kenrokuen there is a two-legged lantern known as a symbol of the garden and often seen with photographs.
It is called "Kotoji lantern". It is said to have its name because it resembles the shape of the “Kotoji”. Similarly shaped lantern is also found at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto Ward, Tokyo.
It is in an inconspicuous place, but it is larger than that of Kenrokuen. If you are going, please try looking for it.
References:
『箏と筝曲を知る辞典』宮崎まゆみ著 東京堂出版, 2009
