Transverse flute; komabue

Komabue, transverse flute of bamboo. The six finger holes and embouchure, are all slightly ovular. The proximal end is stopped from immediately above the embouchure and a piece of gold fabric is applied to the end face. There are nine bands of lacquer imitating cherry bark round the instrument, with one between each finger hole. The lacquer bands are encircled with twine. In fitted wooden case (Horniman Museum number: M24.8.56/91b) with the transverse flute ryuteki (Horniman Museum number: M24.8.56/91).