Japan
Japanese

Paulownia wood, bone, silk strings, fabric 
Mid 19th century
Length: 43 inches
Chordophones – Zithers

The ‘yakumogoto’ (literally ‘eight cloud zither’) was developed by Nakayama Kotonushi from Shikoku, in 1820.  The name “Kotonushi” means “Master of the Koto”.  The ‘yakumogoto’ has a closed back resonator body with carved crescent moon and circular sun on the bottom, and on the top, two strings and a bridge at each end.  It has no frets, so to vary the pitch, a tubular device is placed over the middle finger of the left hand as it slightly depresses the string while a tubular plectrum is placed on the index finger of the right hand to pluck the strings.   The plectrum and slide are referred to as rokan. 

This 19th century ‘yakumogoto’ is crafted of paulownia (kiri) wood, with tall wooden pegs at one end.  Small bone circles decorate the top along the length of the instrument, with brocade pattern fabric at the ends and braided silk cords.  The resonator body lays atop a wooden stand carved with plover birds.

The ‘yakumogoto’ is used for sacred music and mainly associated with the Shinto religion.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichigenkin