Philomele
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
circa 1850
Materials
Wood, Mother-of-pearl [pinctada maxima], Ivory, Silver plate
Measurements
270 mm (Width); 570 mm (Length)
Place of origin
Europe
Order this imageCollection
Snowshill Manor and Garden, Gloucestershire
NT 1335354
Summary
Bowed zither, (Streichzither, or Philomele), in the shape of a violin, anonymous, probably German, mid 19th century. Three ivory ball feet on the back for standing instrument on table while playing it. Fretted with four mother-of-pearl inserts in finger board. Four wire strings. 4 ivory tension screws on a carved fan shape on back of neck.. Decorative metal plate for tension pegs. Decorative, stamped metal holder for end of strings. 'Bought July 1931 £1' (M. Jessup).
Provenance
bought July 1931 for £1 Given to the National Trust with Snowshill Manor in 1951 by Charles Paget Wade.