Vintage Indian Esraj, wood and hide, engraved decoration, sympathetic strings

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Antique Indian Esraj, a bowed string instrument made of brown varnished wood, with a light membrane body and engraved decoration. A characterful piece, presented as is, with its aged patina and sympathetic strings.

Description

This 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.

The light soundboard, with its patinated appearance, features a sculpted bridge and a second lower bridge, with many visible metal strings. The neck is punctuated by curved metal frets, placed on a dark fingerboard bordered by decorated light bindings. The side wooden pegs complete the ensemble and contribute to the instrument's graphic balance.

Context

The esraj belongs to the family of bowed string instruments from the north and east of the Indian subcontinent. Similar to the dilruba, it is distinguished 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))

Condition

Used antique item, sold as is. The instrument retains a marked patina, with signs of use, rubbing, minor material loss, varnish wear, and visible alterations on the membrane and light parts. Several strings are loose, displaced, or need re-stringing; some tuning and fastening elements show signs of use consistent with age and handling.

The ensemble remains decorative and evocative, with a good representation of traditional craftsmanship. A specialist luthier will need to carry out an overhaul for musical use.

AFW

AFW 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.

Keywords: [Rare antique Esraj as is]