Small Koto Appraisal

Miniature Koto / Japanese Zither Model

The item is a miniature koto, a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, housed within what appears to be its original or custom-fitted cardboard box for storage or display. The instrument itself is constructed from light-colored wood, likely Paulownia (kiri wood), which is traditional for kotos, displaying a fine, straight grain along its length. It features multiple strings, possibly silk or synthetic, stretched across its surface, supported by individual movable bridges (kotoji) that are uniformly light in color, likely bone, ivory, or a synthetic imitation. These bridges are arranged in a diagonal pattern, essential for tuning and playing the koto. The upper end of the instrument, where the strings terminate, shows a tightly wound arrangement of white cord or thread, possibly for securing the strings or for decorative purposes. The lower end of the koto exhibits a decorative band, approximately one to two inches in height, featuring a traditional Japanese pattern with red, orange, and possibly gold motifs on a light background, resembling a brocade or painted design. This embellishment suggests a level of craftsmanship beyond a simple model. Given its size relative to the surrounding objects, it is clearly not a full-sized koto, but rather a model, decorative piece, or a practice instrument often referred to as a mini-koto or tabletop koto. There are no immediately visible signs of significant damage like cracks or deep scratches on the wood, nor are there obvious breaks in the strings or bridges. The strings appear taut and well-maintained. The cardboard box itself shows some signs of wear typical of storage, such as slight compression or creasing. Without visible manufacturer marks or signatures, determining its precise age or maker is difficult, but the traditional design points to a post-Meiji era construction, potentially mid-20th century to contemporary. The overall presentation suggests it is either a display piece, a collectible, or a simplified musical instrument for educational or beginner purposes. The craftsmanship is clean and evokes the aesthetic of a legitimate koto, indicating a decent quality replica or functional miniature.