321.321 Necked bowl lutes

Cobza. 'KOBSA. A kind of lute. Wood painted. Ten strings, of which nine are of catgut, and one of silk covered with thin wire. With a plectrum consisting of a quill ornamented with silken tassels. Roumanian. Modern. L21in. W 11in., depth of the body 8 3/8 in.' Engel, Carl 'A Descriptive Catalogue of the Musical Instruments in the South Kensington Museum'. London:Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1874, p. 219
Back built of 5 large ribs. Neck painted black with red white, and blue border, approx. length 11cm. Wear on painting and on old V&A number on neck shows evidence of playing post acquisition by South Kensington Museum.

Collection Information

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