We have significantly reduced the price of this 8-sun shakuhachi with silver-ring joints—a top-quality piece bearing three seals—crafted by Araki Kodō III (d. Shōwa 10), widely regarded as the greatest player and shakuhachi maker in history!!
Hailed as the greatest master in the history of the shakuhachi, Kodo III possessed exceptional talent as a pipe maker; however, because he devoted his energy to performance and the study of classical honkyoku pieces, he produced very few instruments, and only a handful of his shakuhachi survive today.
An advanced technique is employed here, involving the insertion of an ultra-thin piece of tortoiseshell into a cylindrical shape around the mouthpiece.
This is a manufacturing method for which Kodo III held a patent.
Furthermore, the mouthpiece is shaped without any corners, following the example of traditional flutes.
The bamboo used is of the highest quality—sturdy and with a fine grain. It is so hard that plucking the bamboo tube with a finger produces a clear, ringing “ting” sound.
Rather than using rattan wrapping or thick silver rings at the joints, the manufacturer deliberately uses an extremely fine single silver wire. This is a sophisticated touch designed to clearly convey that the upper and lower sections of the tube retain the appearance of a single, unbroken piece of bamboo.
Mr. Kodo III passed away at the young age of 56, and this single pipe was handed to me the year before his death. It may have been the very last pipe he crafted in his lifetime. It is a masterpiece worthy of a historically renowned pipe.
Three oblong-shaped brand marks (the “Three-Mark Flute”) applied only to the very best flutes that met his own exacting standards
Leaving the root at the end of the pipe intentionally exposed is also a characteristic feature of the third-generation Kodo pipes.
Made in 1934 (Shōwa 9) by Araki Kodo III: Kinko 8-sun pipe with a single silver line—Three Seals
