( JPEG format )A two-stringed zither devised by Nakayama Kotonushi in 1820 as an instrument for ritual performance. It is placed on a support stand. Both strings are pluckedsimultaneously with a ryuso (pick) worn on the index finger of the right hand, while pressing the strings against the kan-dokoro (a guide for pitch placement) with a tenkan (tube) worn on the middle finger of the left hand. A sun and moon shape is carved on the underside of the instrument. Used mainly for vocal accompaniment.