{"product_id":"esraj-ancien-indien-bois-et-peau-decor-grave-cordes-sympathiques-1","title":"Antique Indian esraj, wood and hide, engraved decoration, sympathetic strings","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW - Antique France Worldwide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAntique Indian Esraj, bowed string instrument in brown varnished wood, with a light membrane soundbox and engraved decoration. A piece with character, presented as is, with its authentic patina and sympathetic strings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDescription\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Esraj features a traditional construction with a long fretted neck, a stretched membrane soundbox, and an openwork pegbox. The brown varnished wood offers a beautiful visual presence, enhanced by light plates engraved with geometric patterns, rosettes, and stylized elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe light top, with its patinated appearance, holds a carved bridge and a second lower bridge, with numerous visible metal strings. The neck is punctuated by curved metal frets, placed on a dark fingerboard bordered by decorated light inlays. The side wooden tuning pegs complete the ensemble and contribute to the instrument's graphic balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eContext\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Esraj belongs to the family of bowed string instruments from the northern and eastern Indian subcontinent. Similar to the Dilruba, it is distinguished notably by a more compact body and an oval soundbox, and is found in the musical traditions of Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Bangladesh, as well as in certain classical and devotional repertoires. Its sympathetic strings contribute to the characteristic ample and shimmering resonance of North Indian instruments. ([kalasudha.com](https:\/\/kalasudha.com\/hindustani-classical\/instrumental\/esraj?utm_source=openai))\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed antique item, sold as is. The instrument retains a marked patina, with traces of use, rubbing, small material losses, varnish wear, and visible alterations on the membrane and light parts. Several strings are loose, displaced, or need re-tensioning; some tuning and fastening elements show signs of use consistent with age and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ensemble remains decorative and evocative, with a beautiful representation of traditional craftsmanship. A specialist luthier's review will be necessary for musical use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAFW takes particular care in preparing and protecting items entrusted for shipment. Packaging will be adapted to the fragile nature of the instrument, with reinforced protection for sensitive areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKeywords: [Rare antique Esraj as is]\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AFW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54483263455559,"sku":null,"price":174.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0989\/5152\/8775\/files\/s-l1600_bc44687a-63e5-4004-9a39-f0e500ff586b.jpg?v=1785574406","url":"https:\/\/shop.antiquefranceworldwide.com\/en\/products\/esraj-ancien-indien-bois-et-peau-decor-grave-cordes-sympathiques-1","provider":"AFW","version":"1.0","type":"link"}