TSUGARU SHAMISEN

Japanese Banjo
2024

A three stringed instrument that came to Japan from China in the 16th century. Making a Shamisen involves the use of techniques that include joinery, carving and jigs for different glueing methods. 

​

It is otherworldly to me as it sits plump and heavy yet it speaks of a use and something crafted. Almost all surfaces of this instrument are curved, and as all these curves are hand carved and shaped I feel no two instruments can be identical. Each has its own character and holds in it a visual history of the hands of the craftsperson.