Bowed Zither (Streichzither)
Musical Instrument / Decorative Art • Neuner & Hornstein (Mittenwald, Bavaria, Germany)
Style & Movement
German Folk Music / Alpine Traditional Lutherie
Medium & Technique
Hand-crafted wood construction (likely spruce for the soundboard and maple for the back/sides), ebony fingerboard and tailpiece, metal frets, and mother-of-pearl or bone inlays. Techniques include lutherie carving, bending, joinery, and varnishing.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (circa 1880-1900)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20-25 inches in length; Portrait orientation (vertical display)
Subject Description
A heart-shaped (or 'Biedermeier' style) bowed zither designed to be played with a bow like a violin but held horizontally or on a table. It features a distinctive four-lobed body with dual f-holes, a fretted fingerboard with decorative position markers, and a scroll-less, leaf-inspired peghead.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (considering age). The wood shows natural patination and some surface abrasions consistent with use and age.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Formerly in the 'Ex Fiske Collection'; currently part of the Claremont University Consortium Collection as indicated by the museum label.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the specialized lutherie of Mittenwald, a major center for string instrument production since the 17th century. The bowed zither is a unique hybrid instrument that gained popularity in Alpine regions during the mid-to-late 19th century as part of the regional 'volksmusik' tradition.
Notable Features
Features a unique stylized 'flame' or 'leaf' carved peghead rather than a traditional orchestral scroll; contains decorative dot inlays on a characteristically wide fingerboard common to Bavarian zithers.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scratches and minor dings on the lower bouts; possible slight drying cracks in the grain of the soundboard; oxidation on the metal frets.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment with 45-55% relative humidity to prevent wood cracking. Use UV-filtered lighting to prevent varnish fading. Should be handled with archival gloves.