Ūd

1977

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

This elaborately decorated instrument is a modern version of the Arab 'ud, whose history in the Near East reaches back to the seventh century. The instrument's vaulted back is made of fifteen ribs (probably African mahogany) separated by patterned striping. The varnished spruce top has three fretwork roses made of white plastic surrounded by inlaid borders of abalone, plastic, colored wood, and brass triangles. The fingerboard inlay is decorated to match. The bent-back pegbox holds the lateral pegs for six double courses of strings.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Ūd
Maker: Les fils de Gamil Georges (Egyptian)
Date: 1977
Geography: Cairo, Egypt
Culture: Egyptian
Medium: Wood, various materials
Dimensions: L. 82 cm (32-5/16 in.); W. 38.7 cm (15-1/4 in.); D. 21 cm (8-1/4 in.)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-unfretted
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Harold H. Krechmer, in memory of her husband, Harold H. Krechmer, 1982
Object Number: 1982.143.1
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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