NMM 1250. Shakuhachi, Japan, ca. 1950. End-blown, bamboo notched flute. Two-piece construction. Interior lacquered red. Narrow bore. Crescent-shaped, water-buffalo-horn insert functions as voicing edge. The shakuhachi emerged in its characteristic Japanese form in the 15th century, having been imported to Japan from China in the early 8th century. Early examples, made of jade, stone, and ivory, can be seen in the Shosoin Repository in Nara, Japan. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

Notched end with water-buffalo-horn insert and red-lacquered bore.

Tenon of lower joint

Lower end of shakuhachi

Bore viewed from lower end