Japan
Japanese

Wood, bone, metal strings, mother-of-pearl
Mid 20th century
Length: 24 in, Depth: 2.5 in
Chordophones – Lutes

This four- string genkin has an eight-sided (octagonal) resonator, covered on both sides with python skin heads.  Possibly it evolved from the four-string “shien-tze” used in operas.   As a modern version, it has wire frets, which resembles those on a banjo.  The octagonal sides of the resonator and the top finial of the neck are decorated with bone and inlaid mother-of-pearl floral designs.  The ends of each of the four wooden pegs are also trimmed and capped with bone.  This instrument mostly likely is used in secular music to accompany singing, oral narratives, and storytelling.