Japan
Japanese

Bamboo, metal, pigment
Mid-Late 20th century
Length: 22 in
Aerophone – Wind Instruments Proper – Edge -blown Flute

The shakuhachi is an ancient Japanese end-blown bamboo flute that came from China in the seventh century. The early ones are made of thick bamboo with four finger holes and one thumb hole. During the Edo Period (1603-1868) the shakuhachi became a popular instrument of the mendicant Zen priests called komusô.  The name shakuhachi means “1.8 shaku,” referring to its size (almost 55 centimeters). 

This shakuhachi has seven-holes with six on the front and one thumb hole. It is a post-War innovation, made popular by the great composer of modern shakuhachi music, Miyata Kohachiro.  The two extra holes, on in the joint and the other at the bottom to the side, are Tsu no Meri (E-flat) and U (B-flat).  This new version has become increasingly more popular when used by players performing Western classical music as well as the traditional and modern Japanese music, facilitating fast runs and eliminating ergonomic gymnastics associated with shakuhachi technique. 

Resource: 7-hole-yuu-2.jpg (88×576) (shakuhachiyuu.com)