Saw Duang, Saw Tai, Saw Oo, Klui, and Pee by William Gibb

Saw Duang, Saw Tai, Saw Oo, Klui, and Pee by William Gibb

C. 1888

Chromolithograph

Documenting a rare assortment of historical Thai court instruments once belonging to the King of Siam, this beautiful late nineteenth-century illustration depicts the Saw Duang, Saw Tai, Saw Oo, Klui, and Pee. The meticulously composed plate showcases a slender bamboos klui flute (left), a cylindrical two-stringed saw duang fiddle with its accompanying bow (middle-left), an elegant three-stringed saw tai fiddle crafted in carved ivory and enamelled gold (center), a resonant coconut-shell saw oo fiddle paired with a bow (middle-right), and a dark wooden pee oboe (far right). Formed by the celebrated Scottish artist and master illustrator William Gibb, this artwork was printed as a vibrant chromolithograph and published in 1888. The illustration captures the remarkable decorative detail of the royal collection, precisely defining the contrast between smooth ivory tones, rich wood stains, and dark lacquered finishes against a smooth, earth-toned background. This specific plate provides an accurate historical record of these classic Southeast Asian musical instruments, documenting their unique physical structures and ornamental craftsmanship during the late nineteenth century.

This plate was originally produced for the landmark publication Musical Instruments, Historic, Rare and Unique, written by musicologist Alfred James Hipkins. During the late nineteenth century, a growing European fascination with ethnomusicology and antiquarianism fueled a desire to visually preserve rare cultural artifacts before they disappeared. Gibb became highly celebrated for his exceptional ability to translate the complex textures of historic objects into print media.

Dimensions: H 11 ¾” x 16”W

Condition: slight smudge on bottom edge