I collected this old Monk’s shakuhachi around 2003 in Kyoto when I attended the annual Komuso gathering at Myoanji. It’s over 100 years old.

Press the play arrow to hear this flute.

Hear the scale and an excerpt from Kumoigishi. The thumb hole is a little flat in Kan (Go no Hi). I can tune it but rather not mess with history.

I can read the top Kanji which I believe is Zan - mounttain. But it could be something else. You never know with old Kanji carved into bamboo by a monk

The utaguchi is made of Ivory in teh old Kinko style. The dip is non existent. This requires a gentle breath to maintain a consistent sound. A stronger breath will cause the note to move around rather uncontrollably.

You can see the traditional method of inlaying - at an angle into the length of the bamboo. Many new makers insert the horn at more of a perpendicular angle.

A nice worn root.

A nice dark patina. There is no lacquer in the bore. The only additive is the horn inlay.

This flute is going to be available this week as I’ve decided to trim my collection. It can be very a very valuable flute for some, and not to others. As a collectible, my guess is around $600.
Namaste, Perry