Musical InstrumentsChordophone-Lute-pluckedlate 19th centuryTanbour is a chordophone-lute-plucked of Iranian (Persian) origin created in late 19th century using wood, string — now part of the Musical Instruments collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Wood, string |
| Classification | Chordophone-Lute-plucked |
| Department | Musical Instruments |
| Credit Line | The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 |
| Date | late 19th century |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Iranian (Persian) culture. The estimated date range is 1850 – 1899.
Geography
Origin: Iran?. 
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Tanbour?
Tanbour is housed in the Musical Instruments department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Tanbour created?
Tanbour dates to late 19th century.
What material is Tanbour made from?
Tanbour is crafted from wood, string.
Where does Tanbour originate?
Tanbour originates from Iran? (Iranian (Persian) culture).
Is Tanbour in the public domain?
Tanbour is not in the public domain; rights and reproduction restrictions may apply.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026