Husle korytkové (Trough Fiddle)
Musical instrument, bowed lute • Tibor L. Koblíček, maker
Style & Movement
Traditional Slovak Folk Art / Ethno-musical instrument craftsmanship
Medium & Technique
Carved wood (likely spruce for the top and maple, willow, or poplar for the one-piece body), traditional lutherie, joinery, and varnish.
Creation Period
2008
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 45-55 cm in length; vertical/narrow format
Subject Description
A folk bowed lute common to the Orava and Kysuce regions of Slovakia. The instrument features a distinctive trough-like body carved from a single piece of wood, topped with a flat soundboard containing f-holes, a carved tailpiece, and a simple pegbox scroll.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; museum-quality preservation
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Made in Kalinovo, Poltár District, Banská Bystrica Region, Slovakia. Currently part of the collection at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), Phoenix.
Art Historical Significance
A contemporary example of a dying traditional craft. Tibor Koblíček is a renowned Slovak master craftsman who revitalized the construction of rare folk instruments, ensuring the survival of Slovak musical heritage. It serves as a vital link between medieval bowed instruments and modern stringed instruments.
Notable Features
Single-piece carved body construction (trough style) instead of the multi-ribbed assembly seen in classical violins; handcrafted aesthetic reflecting regional Slovak decorative motifs.
Condition Issues
None visible; wood appears stable with no signs of cracking, checking, or infestation.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strict climate control (45-55% relative humidity) to prevent wood shrinkage or cracking; avoid direct UV exposure to protect natural resins/varnish.