TSUGARU SHAMISEN

Japanese Instrument
Work in progress.

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. 

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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.