Saùng-Gauk

Burmese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 684

This richly decorated arched harp has 13 twisted silk strings of varying diameter. Each string connects to a gold-painted stringholder which runs the length of the gold-lacquered deerskin belly. The strings are secured to the neck with red-twisted cotton cords (tuning rings), which end with a gold colored metallic tassel. The sides of the instrument depict scenes from the Ramayana in gold against a black field. Often used to accompany songs, instruments like this one had their orgins in ancient India and represent one of the oldest surviving harp traditions.

#9315. Saùng-Gauk

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Saùng-Gauk, Wood, deerskin, paint, cotton cord, metal, glass, Burmese

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Saùng-Gauk, Wood, deerskin, paint, cotton cord, metal, glass, Burmese
Saùng-Gauk, Wood, deerskin, paint, cotton cord, metal, glass, Burmese
Saùng-Gauk, Wood, deerskin, paint, cotton cord, metal, glass, Burmese
Saùng-Gauk, Wood, deerskin, paint, cotton cord, metal, glass, Burmese
Saùng-Gauk, Wood, deerskin, paint, cotton cord, metal, glass, Burmese
Saùng-Gauk, Wood, deerskin, paint, cotton cord, metal, glass, Burmese

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