Biwa. A very heavy plucked-stringed instrument in black and very dark brown lacquered wood with an ornamental band of gilt zig zag design across the table. The fingerboard integral with the table. The neck waisted and rounded at the back, with, at the top, a peg-box for four pegs nearly at right angles. The head missing. Hexagonal tapered pegs of similar wood for four strings. The body generally flat, with back and table slightly rounded. The tail-piece, with a small rounded sound-hole beneath it, of similar wood with ivory edge and four dagger shaped ivory eyelets. A pair of 'swallow tail' ivory inlaid ornaments on upper part of table. Apparently three frets. Tail-piece detached. Lacks two pegs, one string, all three frets and finial of head. Otherwise in good condition.
