Wagon (Yamatogoto)

Old Japan-Origin String Instrument For Ancient Japanese Music

Wagon (yamatogoto) is the 6-strings ancient Japanese zither. Unlike other Japanese zither which has been transmitted from the continent, wagon has the long history from the ancient Japan.  A clay image who plays wagon has been excavated and the year is estimated long before a lot of musical instruments were transmitted from the continent. It's originally made of paulownia wood and 6 strings with maple bridges.

Plectrum is small and made from bekkou (tortoiseshell ). It's been played for the kuniburi no utamai, which is a general term for ancient Japanese songs and dances before gagaku was transmitted from other Asian countries. Especially, it's been played by person of higher position.