Flute belonging to the instrumental group of the No theatre, being its only melodic instrument. The tube is of very dry bamboo. Consisting of several layers solidly held together by a thin thread of wild cherry bark, only the holes are free of any ligature. The inside is painted with red lacquer and the outside with black lacquer. With use and time it acquires excellent sound qualities.
Its does not have a precise tuning. A small cylinder of lead is inserted between the mouthpiece and the first digitation orifice, giving a peculiar timbre to the instrument but muting the brightness of the high notes. The orifices are closed with the middle phalanges, which obliges a somewhat forced positioning of the hands. Due to its length, it also requires strong pressure in blowing, creating sound effects well adapted to the repertory of the No theatre.
