Shakuhachi / Black Lacquer

Product Description

Product Story

General Product Information

This shakuhachi was made in a workshop that has been in existence for over 100 years.

Kitahara Seikado handles the entire process of shakuhachi production from the selection and harvesting of madake bamboo, the material used to make shakuhachi, to its production. No two pieces of madake, which is native to Japan, are the same, and the sound is created by handmade inner diameter production. Therefore, the sound of each tube has a slight individuality, and the compatibility between the player and the shakuhachi is very important.

【Please read the caution before purchasing】

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1400 years ago / 600AD / Asuka period in Japan

The most popular theory as to the origin of the shakuhachi is that it was invented by the Tang Dynasty's Lü Sai and introduced to Japan around the end of the 7th century.
The name comes from the fact that the standard length of a shakuhachi is 1 shaku 8 sun.

When it was introduced to Japan, it was introduced as a gagaku instrument, but by the Heian period (794-1185), it had fallen out of use.
Later, Komuso, a well-known figure in period dramas, appeared on the scene and created the Fuke-shu.
At that time, the shakuhachi was a sacred instrument and only komuso monks were allowed to play it, but it seems that some ordinary people also played it.

Many konmuso were originally warriors, and there is a theory that shakuhachi made from the thick and hard root were used as weapons in duels.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Hiroki Kitahara
Hiroki Kitahara was born in 1980. After graduating from university, he worked as a sales representative for a general company before becoming a shakuhachi pipe maker.
In addition to performing, he has been actively engaged in production as the fourth generation of shakuhachi players.

Based on the techniques inherited from the first and second generations and the advice of the second generation, he continues to research further and repeat trial and error to produce shakuhachi of the highest standard to embody the changing times and the sound demanded by the players.

Craftsman Passion

"We want to bring you the joy of playing sound."
Kitahara Seikado is a four-generation production studio of shakuhachi pipe makers Ikuya Kitahara and Hiroki Kitahara. We start from the selection and gathering of domestic bamboo to the production and repair of shakuhachi. We also offer music classes.
We are always striving to create better instruments, and hope to bring the joy of playing music and smiles to as many people as possible.

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Height : 54.5cm
Weight：300-500g

Material & Caution

Materials

Bamboo

Caution

【How to care】

Please understand that Sakuhachi flutes are not invulnerable, they can crack, even with the owner's best intentions for the flute.
If cracks appear, don't fill them with glue. Keep the flute well humidified in a closed plastic bag and send it for repair as soon as possible. Flutes are generally repairable. It's recommended keeping the flute in a plastic bag, sealed with a rubber band, whenever it's not being played.
Bamboo is very hard, but it has several fragile qualities. Heat, quick temperature and humidity changes are a significant threat that might cause cracks to appear. Therefore do not subject it to heat or direct sunlight. Don't leave it in your car on a hot day. It's recommended to give the flute a very light coating of walnut or camellia oil on the surface several times a week to prevent drying.
When stored in a sealed environment, the Shakuhachi will experience virtually no fluctuations in relative humidity that can damage the instrument. A relative humidity level of 50 % is recommended.
After playing your Shakuhachi it is a customary to run a Tsuyutoshi cleaning cloth through the bore. Drop the weighted end carefully into the mouthpiece, protect the sharp Utaguchi edge gently with your thumb pad, and pull through from the bottom. The most fragile part of the Shakuhachi is the Utaguchi (blowing edge). A handmade leather mouthpiece cap is designed to protect the delicate Utaguchi.

To assemble the Shakuhachi ensure that the male portion of the middle joint has a thin layer of lubricant. Line up the two halves so that the small marks at the back of the joint are in line. Slowly slide the female part over the male part. If the two lines are not in alignment, do not twist to correct. You will have to separate the two halves and start again.

【About Repair】

Repairs within 6 months of product purchase are free of charge.
Shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer.

*We will pay the shipping costs for repair requests made within 8 days of receipt of the product.

【Individual Difference】

No two bamboos are exactly alike.

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about 1~2 months for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.