Vintage Japanese Showa Era Tangoto Short Koto Kiri Wood 13-String Zither 55″L

Vintage Japanese Tangoto (短箏): Short Koto Kiri Wood Zither, Compact Travel Size

Japan, Showa period, mid-20th century

Dimensions: approximately 55″L × 10″W (140 × 25 cm), tanso (short koto) size

This is a Japanese tanso (短箏), a shortened koto built to standard width and string spacing but roughly 40 cm shorter than a full-size instrument for easier handling and travel. The kiri (paulownia) wood body shows a strong flame-grain pattern, with a carved, wave-form ivory-style bridge saddle at the head and a floral brocade cover at the tail above a row of hardwood tuning pegs.

Full-size koto have measured a standard 182 cm since at least the Edo period, and shortened versions like this one were developed to keep the same playing feel and sound in a more portable form, still requiring the full complement of individual movable bridges (ji) under each of the 13 strings. Bridges have been in place while the koto was hung and displayed for years, string tightening will be required.

Form: Japanese tanso (短箏), short/travel-size 13-string koto
Construction or Decoration: Kiri (paulownia) wood body with flame-grain soundboard; carved wave-form ivory-style bridge saddle at head, floral brocade tail cover, hardwood tuning pegs
Period: Japan, Showa period, mid-20th century
Dimensions: approximately 55″L × 10″W (140 × 25 cm), tanso (short koto) size; not directly measured
Weight:
Condition: Wood shows an attractive, even patina with no cracks or losses noted in photos. Movable bridges (ji) are included and shown in place on the soundboard.