Japan, late Edo-early Meiji period, 19th century Black... Lot 129

Japan, late Edo-early Meiji period, 19th century Black lacquered bamboo shakuhachi flute with five holes (Worn and missing lacquer, small cracks and crazing) Length: 51 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).