Japan, late Edo-early Meiji period, 19th century Black... Lot 128

Japan, late Edo-early Meiji period, 19th century Black lacquered bamboo shakuhachi flute, pierced with five holes, consolidated by a metal tie wrapped around the top. (Wear, small cracks) Length: 57.7 cm Note: These ancestral flutes were mainly used by Zen Buddhist monks of the Fuke-shû order, who played the flute instead of practicing zazen (sitting meditation) and reciting the sutra. These flutes were considered religious instruments for meditation. These warrior-monks, also known as Komusô, wore reed hats that hid their faces, symbolizing their detachment from the world (see attached photo).