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Miniature arched harp (saùng-gauk) and stand

19th century
Object Place: Southern Burma

Medium/Technique Padauk wood, sha wood, sheepskin
Dimensions Length 55.0 cm, width 7.7 cm, height 40.5 cm (Length 21 5/8 in., width 3 1/16 in., height 15 15/16 in.)
Credit Line Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.2163a-b
NOT ON VIEW

DescriptionBoat-shaped body of black lacquered paduak wood. Upper edge of body has band with raised gilded repeating leaf pattern, Black-colored deerskin belly with four small circular soundholes and raised gilded designs near each end. Curved neck made from root of a shà tree, the upper half gilded, terminating in carved shape representing leaf of bodhi tree. Thirteen strings, each attached at neck by red cord; each tied at belly to strip of paduak wood. Matching carved stand.
ProvenanceFrancis W. Galpin (1858-1945), Hatfield Regis, England; 1916, sold by Francis W. Galpin to William Lindsey (1858-1922), Boston, Massachusetts; 1916, gift of William Lindsey, in memory of his daughter, Leslie Lindsey Mason, to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 5, 1916)