19th C. Tibetan Wood Srga-Snyan / Dramyen Lute

Central Asia, Nepal or possibly Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A striking wooden lute, also known as a srga-snyan or dramyen, carved from a single piece of wood, with a skin covered, hollow resonator. The sickle-curved pegbox is carved in the form of a fierce dragon with its mouth open in a roar. On the body above the resonator is an incised motif related to the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. Size: 4.75" W x 20.75" H (12.1 cm x 52.7 cm); 21.75" H (55.2 cm) on included custom stand.

See a very similar example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1990.112.5).

Provenance: ex-private Hawaii, USA collection, 1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#150936
Condition Report: Rich patina on wood and skin surfaces. Strings are not present. Signs of wear commensurate with age including small chips, nicks, and scratches, but overall in very nice condition.