Demonstration of making Koto

Last month, I saw some production demonstrations of Koto at the event of “Tokyo Japanese Musical Instrument Cooperative Association”.

Koto is made by a craftsman who has a qualification of the traditional craftsman.

You know, Koto is a musical instrument, but it is a "traditional craft", too!

Craftsmen make roughly two Kotos out of one log.

They said that one craftsman makes all processes from start to finish by himself, and it takes about 25 days to complete it.

There are some decorations on the Koto.

But according to what they say, the tone color is almost decided by material and the decorations are only for decorating its appearance (brag)!

I was surprised at their frank talk.

The first photo shows that the craftsman is engraving "Ayasugi carving" on the back side of the body.

Second one shows the "Ayasugi carving" seen from the completed Koto.

The purpose of this carving is to make a tone better, but it is not excavated on the whole back plate.

It seems that the necessary amount is put in the necessary place (a place that is visible after completion).

Because of the handmade, Koto is made to match the tone that the performers want.

It is best if I can custom-make it.

But even if it is not, I want to treat it politely because the craftsman made each one carefully.