● Instrument Reference · Desk-Verified Dossier
Futozao Shamisen
太棹三味線Thick-necked three-stringed Japanese lute struck with a flared ivory or water-buffalo horn plectrum to accompany Ningyō Jōruri Bunraku puppet drama.
Classification
Instrument
Origin / Scope
Japan
Connected Rooms
1 Tradition
Bibliography
1 Source
Archival note & context
The largest and lowest-pitched member of the shamisen family, the futozao ('thick neck') was developed in Osaka specifically to match the dramatic range of Gidayū-bushi narrative chanting.
The shamisen player sits beside the tayū chanter on a revolving stage platform, punctuating tears, storms, and swordstrokes.
Used in traditions
1Sources
1What’s on this page is sourced from the citation below.
| Source | Publisher | Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Ningyo Johruri Bunraku Puppet Theatre — Agency for Cultural Affairs Japan | Bunkacho / UNESCO, 2008 | CC BY-SA 4.0 |