This is a tonkori, an Ainu stringed instrument. It is a traditional, slender five-stringed (rarely 3-6 strings) instrument of the Ainu people, mainly from Hokkaido and Sakhalin. It is made by hollowing out wood, and glass beads are placed inside as a symbol of "soul" to produce a good sound, with the parts of the instrument likened to the human body. It is a traditional instrument in Ainu culture, played with an open-string method that uses only five notes, plucked with the fingers. This is a work by Tonkori Kobo Inonno in Naganuma. The maker was originally a furniture craftsman, so the craftsmanship is meticulous. The carvings are also delicate. It seems the artist has a two-year waiting list for orders. Shamisen strings are used. The strings are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 from right to left. Tune it to D, G, D, A, and E, according to the tuning of Ume Nishihira. Strings 1 and 3 are one octave higher than the others. The body is painted and also has carvings of Ainu patterns. We also have other items for sale, such as Ainu clothing, costumes, crafts, experience kits, and old Ainu folk tools, so please take a look if you are interested. Ainu Folk instrument Tonkori Mukkuri Tonkori Kobo Inonno Five-stringed koto Stringed instrument Folk costume