Koto (Japanese Harp) and Sho (Reed Organ) 19th century

Kubo Shunman created this print of a Koto and Sho in the late 18th or early 19th century, during the Edo period in Japan. This era was marked by relative peace and economic growth, fostering a flourishing of arts and culture. The print depicts a koto, a thirteen-stringed zither, and a sho, a mouth organ. The koto was often associated with refinement and was a common pastime among the upper classes. The sho, with its ethereal sound, was traditionally used in gagaku, Japanese court music. Shunman elevates these instruments beyond mere objects. The addition of calligraphy transforms the image into an intimate visual poem. The print offers a glimpse into the aesthetic values of the Edo period, where music, poetry, and visual arts converged. These instruments were not simply for playing music; they were tools for cultivating the self. The artwork reflects a world in which art and everyday life were deeply intertwined.