Yamatogoto
The yamatogoto (大和琴 / やまとごと), also called wagon (和琴 / わごん) and azumagoto (東琴 / あずまごと), is a six- or seven-stringed plucked bridge zither which, unlike the koto and other stringed instruments, is believed to be truly native to Japan, and not imported from mainland Asia. Both names translate literally to "Japanese stringed instrument."
According to
The instrument's form has changed very little since the eighth century. Similar in shape to the more commonly known koto, the yamatogoto is narrower, as it has fewer strings. Bridges are made from the natural forks of tree branches, particularly maple trees, according to tradition. Unlike many instruments, the yamatogoto's strings are not arranged in a
Today, the instrument is used only in the Shintō ceremonial/court music called gagaku, and even then it is not common. Nevertheless, its central role in Japanese mythology allows it to retain some reverence.
References
- Clark, Mitchell (2005). "Sounds of the Silk Road: Musical Instruments of Asia." Boston: Museum of Fine Arts Publications.
- William P. Malm (2000). Traditional Japanese Music and Musical Instruments. Kodansha International. pp. 51–54. ISBN 978-4-7700-2395-7.