KOTO (68.59.137)
Japan
Cordophone

The koto, or Japanese zither, is defined by its long board resonator with an arched surface.  A traditional Koto has 13 strings, with 13 movable bridges.  It is played with three ivory plectra (plucking tools) that are placed on the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the right hand. 

From 7th to 8th century, cultural embassies were sent to China.  They returned with new political ideas, as well as material culture, including the cheng, a musical instrument that became the koto in Japan.  Traditionally, the koto is used to accompany other musicians and singers during Kabuki performances. 
Kabuki is a highly stylized performing art that combines acting, dancing, and music in an extraordinary spectacle of form, color, and sound.

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