Musical InstrumentsChordophone-Lute-bowed-unfrettedca. 1880Kamānche is a chordophone-lute-bowed-unfretted Tehran of Iranian (Persian) origin created in ca. 1880 using wood, metal, bone, gut measuring Height: 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm) Width: 6 in. (15.3… — now part of the Musical Instruments collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Wood, metal, bone, gut |
| Dimensions | Height: 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm) Width: 6 in. (15.3 cm) Diameter: 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) |
| Classification | Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted |
| Department | Musical Instruments |
| Credit Line | Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher M. Brown III Gift, 1998 |
| Date | ca. 1880 |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Iranian (Persian) culture. The estimated date range is 1870 – 1890.
Geography
Origin: Tehran, Iran (Persia). 
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Kamānche?
Kamānche is housed in the Musical Instruments department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Kamānche created?
Kamānche dates to ca. 1880.
What material is Kamānche made from?
Kamānche is crafted from wood, metal, bone, gut.
Where does Kamānche originate?
Kamānche originates from Iran (Persia) (Iranian (Persian) culture).
Is Kamānche in the public domain?
Kamānche is in the public domain and can be freely used.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026