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Used Shamisen

Street Singers (Ukiyobushi), Shamisen Player and Singer

Street Singers (Ukiyobushi), Shamisen Player and Singer

By Takahashi Hiroaki (Shotei)

Located in Middletown, NY

Watanabe Shozaburo, 1936. Woodblock in colors on handmade mulberry paper, Koban 182 x 120 mm, full margins. With the Shôtei artist seal in red ink, upper right. Signed "Shotei" and t...

Category

Early 20th Century Used Shamisen

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper, Woodcut

Shamisen II Signed and Numbered Print Macabre Illustration

Shamisen II Signed and Numbered Print Macabre Illustration

By Joao Ruas

Located in Draper, UT

João Ruas “Shamisen II” Limited edition giclée fine art print Description This is Shamisen II, a signed, embossed and stamped limited edition giclée print by João Ruas.

Category

2010s Used Shamisen

Materials

Black and White, Archival Pigment

K31 Old Japanese Painting Art, Skeleton Playing the Shamisen, Framed
K31 Old Japanese Painting Art, Skeleton Playing the Shamisen, Framed

K31 Old Japanese Painting Art, Skeleton Playing the Shamisen, Framed

Located in Niiza, JP

Picture Sheet: W350×H900mm Framed: W430×H1080×D25mm, 2.5kg Estimate packing size: (sandwiched with 5-10mm plywood): 10cm x 50cm x 115cm, 8kg Skeleton Playing the Shamisen, Japanese...

Category

20th Century Japanese Used Shamisen

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paper

2 Japanese Ukiyo-e Kikukawa Eizan Courtesan Geisha Musician Woodblock Prints 32"
2 Japanese Ukiyo-e Kikukawa Eizan Courtesan Geisha Musician Woodblock Prints 32"

2 Japanese Ukiyo-e Kikukawa Eizan Courtesan Geisha Musician Woodblock Prints 32"

Located in Dayton, OH

One shows a seated courtesan in a pink floral kimono playing music on a shamisen. The other shows a courtesan in green with a striped sash, walking and turning her head over her shou...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Used Shamisen

Materials

Paper

Metal Sculpture Of Japanese Musicians On Marble Base
Metal Sculpture Of Japanese Musicians On Marble Base

Metal Sculpture Of Japanese Musicians On Marble Base

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Untitled and unsigned, the sculptures depict three musicians playing the koto (lap harp), shamisen (banjo), and shakuhachi (flute), each rendered in an abstracted, seated form.

Category

Late 20th Century Brutalist Used Shamisen

Materials

Metal

Antique Austro-Hungarian Silver and Enamel Cigarette / Card Case
Antique Austro-Hungarian Silver and Enamel Cigarette / Card Case

Antique Austro-Hungarian Silver and Enamel Cigarette / Card Case

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The front cover is embellished with an enamel panel depicting two Japanese ladies playing traditional Japanese instruments, the koto (13 stringed zither) and the shamisen (3 stringed...

Category

20th Century Slovenian Used Shamisen

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Impressionist Oil Painting of Woman in Kimono, Signed Karin Schaefers
Impressionist Oil Painting of Woman in Kimono, Signed Karin Schaefers

Impressionist Oil Painting of Woman in Kimono, Signed Karin Schaefers

Located in Trenton, NJ

A seated woman in a pink kimono holds a shamisen, rendered in soft, emotive brushwork and warm tonal harmony.

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Anglo-Japanese Used Shamisen

Materials

Canvas, Wood

"Candy Seller" Japanese Woodblock on Rice Paper
"Candy Seller" Japanese Woodblock on Rice Paper

"Candy Seller" Japanese Woodblock on Rice Paper

By Utagawa Yoshiiku

Located in Soquel, CA

The print features a prominent male figure playing a shamisen, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument.

Category

1860s Edo Used Shamisen

Materials

Ink, Rice Paper, Woodcut

Japanese Decorative Art Openwork Iron Partition
Japanese Decorative Art Openwork Iron Partition

Japanese Decorative Art Openwork Iron Partition

Located in Marseille, FR

Superb iron partition playing transparency representing a gallant scene of Geishas during the tea ceremony, one of which is playing the shamisen like Japanese prints and serving as a...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Used Shamisen

Materials

Iron

'View of Futakawa', After Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川廣重, Ukiyo-e Woodblock, Tokaido
'View of Futakawa', After Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川廣重, Ukiyo-e Woodblock, Tokaido

'View of Futakawa', After Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川廣重, Ukiyo-e Woodblock, Tokaido

By Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige)

Located in Santa Cruz, CA

The figures walking up the hill towards it are traveling musicians, as evidenced by the shamisen [three-stringed lutes] they carry on their backs.

Category

Mid-20th Century Used Shamisen

Materials

Sumi Ink, Washi Paper

Japanese Beauties Enjoy a Full Moon
Japanese Beauties Enjoy a Full Moon

Japanese Beauties Enjoy a Full Moon

By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

Located in Burbank, CA

The seated woman on the right is perhaps a geisha, as we see a shamisen lying next to her. Before her is a tray with an assortment of foods.

Category

1840s Edo Used Shamisen

Materials

Mulberry Paper, Woodcut

Japanese Art Ukiyo-e Figurative Painting, Tomimoto Toyohina, Edo period
Japanese Art Ukiyo-e Figurative Painting, Tomimoto Toyohina, Edo period

Japanese Art Ukiyo-e Figurative Painting, Tomimoto Toyohina, Edo period

Located in Segovia, ES

Bijing-Ga series XXVII (Nº 27) Title: Tomomoto Toyohina Tomimoto Toyohina was a much sought-after geisha (entertainer) who performed narrative ballads accompanied by the shamisen. ...

Category

2010s Edo Used Shamisen

Materials

Paper, Crayon, Oil Crayon, Graphite

'A Very Funny Story, Mongols' — Mid-Century Woodblock Print
'A Very Funny Story, Mongols' — Mid-Century Woodblock Print

'A Very Funny Story, Mongols' — Mid-Century Woodblock Print

By Paul Jacoulet

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

He also took dancing lessons and studied gidayu (narrative chanting to the accompaniment of shamisen), at which he attained almost professional-level proficiency.

Category

1940s Showa Used Shamisen

Materials

Woodcut

Recent Sales

Japanese Plectrum Musical Picks
Japanese Plectrum Musical Picks

Japanese Plectrum Musical Picks

Located in Seattle, WA

Japanese hardwood plectrum (bachi) for a shamisen. The shamisen is a traditional three stringed instrument.

Category

1930s Japanese Used Shamisen

Materials

Wood

Japanese Salt and Pepper Shakers
Japanese Salt and Pepper Shakers

Japanese Salt and Pepper Shakers

Unavailable

H 0.5 in W 3 in D 0.25 in

Japanese Salt and Pepper Shakers

Located in Cookeville, TN

Made to look like a Shamisen these tiny shakers are gorgeous. Marked sterling, Japan on the back.

Category

20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Used Shamisen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wunderkammer,  The Dance of the Skeletons, by Tanomura Chokunyu (1814-1909)
Wunderkammer,  The Dance of the Skeletons, by Tanomura Chokunyu (1814-1909)

Wunderkammer, The Dance of the Skeletons, by Tanomura Chokunyu (1814-1909)

Located in PARIS, FR

The Dance of the Skeletons, by Tanomura Chokunyu (1814-1909) This Japanese ink and pigment painting on paper, mounted on a scroll with silk borders, depicts the macabre and captivati...

Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Used Shamisen

Materials

Paper

Bachi

Masayuki NagareBachi, 1984

Unavailable

H 43.5 in W 16.94 in D 11.13 in

Bachi

By Masayuki Nagare

Located in New York, NY

The form was inspired by the pick used to play the traditional Japanese Shamisen lute, instilling the work with great ritualistic significance.

Category

20th Century Used Shamisen

Materials

Granite

Very Large Japanese Bronze Ferry Boat Okimono by Seiya
Very Large Japanese Bronze Ferry Boat Okimono by Seiya

Very Large Japanese Bronze Ferry Boat Okimono by Seiya

Unavailable

H 11.5 in W 38.5 in D 13.5 in

Very Large Japanese Bronze Ferry Boat Okimono by Seiya

Located in Christchurch, GB

This fascinating group captures various characters, some of whom are seemingly conversing with the chap sat at the front, you will notice a Samurawashi (monkey trainer) alongside his...

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Used Shamisen

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Geisha- exotic daguerreotype reproduction Framed
Japanese Geisha- exotic daguerreotype reproduction Framed

Japanese Geisha- exotic daguerreotype reproduction Framed

By FPA Francis Pavy Artist

Located in Lafayette, LA

She demonstrated the art of the tea ceremony, gracefully pouring and serving tea while engaging in polite conversation with the spectators. Her shamisen, a traditional Japanese instr...

Category

2010s Surrealist Used Shamisen

Materials

Inkjet

Yoshitoshi, Ukiyo-e, Thirty-two Manners and Customs, Beauty, Shamisen, Enjoyment
Yoshitoshi, Ukiyo-e, Thirty-two Manners and Customs, Beauty, Shamisen, Enjoyment

Yoshitoshi, Ukiyo-e, Thirty-two Manners and Customs, Beauty, Shamisen, Enjoyment

By Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Located in London, GB

Here we see 'enjoyment' as the women, a teacher in the mid-19th century, practices her shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument similar to a guitar.

Category

Late 19th Century Other Art Style Used Shamisen

Materials

Handmade Paper, Mulberry Paper, Washi Paper, Pigment, Woodcut

Pair of Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Japanese Figures Shamisen and Geisha
Pair of Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Japanese Figures Shamisen and Geisha

Pair of Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Japanese Figures Shamisen and Geisha

Located in Big Flats, NY

Pair of antique Austrian cold painted bronze Japanese figures depicting musician shamisen player and Geisha girl, circa 1900 Measures: 5.5" H x 3.5" W x 1" D.

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Used Shamisen

Materials

Bronze

Large Pair of Japanese Bronze Musician Sculptures Meiji Period
Large Pair of Japanese Bronze Musician Sculptures Meiji Period

Large Pair of Japanese Bronze Musician Sculptures Meiji Period

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A pair of male and female Japanese Meiji period figures of musicians playing a shamisen with finely detailed castings. Each one with a Japanese signature on the base and having their...

Category

1880s Asian Meiji Used Shamisen

Materials

Bronze

Framed 19th Century Japanese Woodblock - Three Songs
Framed 19th Century Japanese Woodblock - Three Songs

Framed 19th Century Japanese Woodblock - Three Songs

Located in Corsham, GB

An intricate 19th century Japanese polychrome woodblock print, depicting a female courtesan playing the shamisen. The artist's signature and seal can be seen to the lower edge.

Category

19th Century Used Shamisen

Materials

Woodcut

Pair of 1950s Japanese Sanshin Lithographs
Pair of 1950s Japanese Sanshin Lithographs

Pair of 1950s Japanese Sanshin Lithographs

Located in New Windsor, NY

Exquisite pair of 1950s Japanese lithographs on Cherry wood veneer of the traditional Japanese three stringed instruments called Sanshin or Shamisen. Matted, glazed and framed in sim...

Category

1950s Japanese Japonisme Used Shamisen

Materials

Cherry

A Tokyo School bronze okimono depicting a walking geisha
A Tokyo School bronze okimono depicting a walking geisha

A Tokyo School bronze okimono depicting a walking geisha

Located in Milano, IT

The figure advances against the wind, her robes gently folded and folded, while holding a shamisen in her arms. The geisha elegantly raises her right hand to her hair to adjust it.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Used Shamisen

Materials

Bronze

Nagara Pleasure Quarter, Kanazawa
Nagara Pleasure Quarter, Kanazawa

Nagara Pleasure Quarter, Kanazawa

By Kawase Hasui

Located in Burbank, CA

Somehow the gurgling of the water and the sensuous sounds of the shamisen are full of sorrow. The low-hanging crescent moon and the shadows of the pine are indicative of a misty even...

Category

1920s Showa Used Shamisen

Materials

Handmade Paper, Woodcut

Moon-Viewing Point from 100 Famous Views of Edo
Moon-Viewing Point from 100 Famous Views of Edo

Moon-Viewing Point from 100 Famous Views of Edo

By Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige)

Located in Burbank, CA

We see the remnants of entertainment along the far wall, including the very edge of a figure of a geisha who his packing up her shamisen. The silhouette at left is that of a courtesa...

Category

1850s Edo Used Shamisen

Materials

Mulberry Paper, Woodcut

Japan Antique Geisha Bijin Photo Album of Beauties Album 1890, 26 Photographs
Japan Antique Geisha Bijin Photo Album of Beauties Album 1890, 26 Photographs

Japan Antique Geisha Bijin Photo Album of Beauties Album 1890, 26 Photographs

Located in South Burlington, VT

Photographs Include +Rare emotional "Smiling" young Geisha +Beautiful Kimono robes +Unusual Geisha family of five + Seldom seen patriotic Geisha in Military dress and flag +...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Used Shamisen

Materials

Paper

Beauties Picnicking Beneath Cherry Blossoms Triptych
Beauties Picnicking Beneath Cherry Blossoms Triptych

Beauties Picnicking Beneath Cherry Blossoms Triptych

By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

Located in Burbank, CA

Behind them is a restaurant with a woman playing a shamisen in an upper room. Original first edition Japanese color woodblock print triptych showcasing beautiful kimono and textile d...

Category

1840s Edo Used Shamisen

Materials

Mulberry Paper, Woodcut

Reading Beauty and Stretching Cat
Reading Beauty and Stretching Cat

Reading Beauty and Stretching Cat

By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

Located in Burbank, CA

She must be an educated woman, who reads and plays the shamisen, which is leaned against the wall behind her.

Category

1820s Edo Used Shamisen

Materials

Mulberry Paper, Woodcut

Zataku by Saburo Inui for Tendo Mokko, 1960s
Zataku by Saburo Inui for Tendo Mokko, 1960s

Zataku by Saburo Inui for Tendo Mokko, 1960s

Sold

H 13.39 in W 47.64 in D 29.93 in

Zataku by Saburo Inui for Tendo Mokko, 1960s

By Saburo Inui

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Therefore, it spreads out little by little toward the bottom, just like the "bachi" of a shamisen. The form of the legs that bends and swells inside gives a very Japanese feeling.

Category

1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Used Shamisen

Materials

Teak

Sterling Silver Shamisen Japanese Guitar Pin / Brooch
Sterling Silver Shamisen Japanese Guitar Pin / Brooch

Sterling Silver Shamisen Japanese Guitar Pin / Brooch

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Vintage sterling silver pin shaped as a shamisen Japanese guitar. Features a large oval cabochon, possibly a moonstone, and silver wire strings.

Category

20th Century Used Shamisen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Geinjie - Woodcut by Utagawa Kunisada - 1857

Geinjie - Woodcut by Utagawa Kunisada - 1857

By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

Located in Roma, IT

Concert in a palace, a youg courtier sits in front of the eailing of a veranda, listening to a koto and shamisen player, behind her pond with flowering irises.

Category

19th Century Modern Used Shamisen

Materials

Woodcut

Vintage Handpainted Silk Japanese Geisha Screen With Ricepaper Backing
Vintage Handpainted Silk Japanese Geisha Screen With Ricepaper Backing

Vintage Handpainted Silk Japanese Geisha Screen With Ricepaper Backing

Located in Waxahachie, TX

Six colorful Geisha surrounded by bamboo trees. Little details, a shamisen, or Japanese guitar, a rice paper scroll, a Geisha carrying a kimono, or hikizuri.

Category

1970s Japanese Edo Used Shamisen

Materials

Silk, Wood

Mizuno Toshikata Japanese Woodblock Print First Call of the Warbler, 36 Beauties
Mizuno Toshikata Japanese Woodblock Print First Call of the Warbler, 36 Beauties

Mizuno Toshikata Japanese Woodblock Print First Call of the Warbler, 36 Beauties

Located in Studio City, CA

This work features a geisha practicing the shamisen under the bright light of a full moon as the night's first warbler songbird joins her on a cherry tree branch just outside her win...

Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Used Shamisen

Materials

Paper

Large Japanese 6-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) with Edo genre painting
Large Japanese 6-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) with Edo genre painting

Large Japanese 6-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) with Edo genre painting

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Set in the backdrop is a glimpse into an establishment where samurai noblemen are seen relishing in leisure, enjoying red bream, and watching a dance performance set to shamisen musi...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Used Shamisen

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

A Downpour at Metalanim, Ponape, East Carolines
A Downpour at Metalanim, Ponape, East Carolines

A Downpour at Metalanim, Ponape, East Carolines

By Paul Jacoulet

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

He also took dancing lessons and studied gidayu (narrative chanting to the accompaniment of shamisen), at which he attained almost professional-level proficiency.

Category

1930s Showa Used Shamisen

Materials

Woodcut

Snowy Night 'Korea'
Snowy Night 'Korea'

Snowy Night 'Korea'

By Paul Jacoulet

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

He also took dancing lessons and studied gidayu (narrative chanting to the accompaniment of shamisen), at which he attained almost professional-level proficiency.

Category

1930s Showa Used Shamisen

Materials

Woodcut

In the Private Palace Gardens; Seoul, Korea
In the Private Palace Gardens; Seoul, Korea

In the Private Palace Gardens; Seoul, Korea

By Paul Jacoulet

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

He also took dancing lessons and studied gidayu (narrative chanting to the accompaniment of shamisen), at which he attained almost professional-level proficiency.

Category

1940s Showa Used Shamisen

Materials

Woodcut

Après la Danse, “Celebes” (After the Dance, “Celebes”)
Après la Danse, “Celebes” (After the Dance, “Celebes”)

Après la Danse, “Celebes” (After the Dance, “Celebes”)

By Paul Jacoulet

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC

He also took dancing lessons and studied gidayu (narrative chanting to the accompaniment of shamisen), at which he attained almost professional-level proficiency.

Category

1940s Showa Used Shamisen

Materials

Woodcut

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Used Shamisen For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate used shamisen for your needs in our varied inventory. Finding the perfect used shamisen may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. On 1stDibs, the right used shamisen is waiting for you and the choices span a range of colors that includes beige, black and brown. There have been many interesting used shamisen examples over the years, but those made by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) and Paul Jacoulet are often thought to be among the most thought-provoking. Artworks like these of any era or style can make for thoughtful decor in any space, but a selection from our variety of those made in woodcut print, paper and crayon can add an especially memorable touch.

How Much is a Used Shamisen?

A used shamisen can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price for items in our inventory is $2,075, while the lowest priced sells for $608 and the highest can go for as much as $10,000.