Woodblock for an Illustration by Nishikawa Sukenobu

Idiophones can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, bone, and even vegetables. They can produce a wide range of sounds, from sharp and piercing to soft and mellow. Some idiophones are struck with a mallet or stick, while others are shaken or scraped. Idiophones are found in many different cultures and musical traditions around the world. For example, the gamelan orchestras of Indonesia feature a wide variety of idiophones, including gongs, xylophones, and metallophones. In Africa, the mbira is a popular idiophone made from metal keys mounted on a wooden board. Idiophones can be used in a variety of musical contexts, from solo performances to large ensembles. They are often used to add color and texture to a piece of music, or to provide rhythmic accompaniment. In some cases, idiophones may even be used as the primary melodic instrument in a composition. Overall, idiophones are a fascinating and versatile family of musical instruments that have been used by humans for thousands of years. Whether you're a professional musician or just a curious listener, exploring the world of idiophones can be a rewarding and enriching experience.

Nishikawa Sukenobu (1671–1750), Japanese painter of the Ukiyo-e school of popular, colourful paintings and prints, who also was a book designer of the Kyōto–Ōsaka area. Nishikawa studied painting with masters of two schools, the Kanō (stressing Chinese subjects and techniques) and the Japanese-oriented Tosa. Eventually, however, he was influenced by Ukiyo-e painters, especially Hishikawa Moronobu (died 1694). In his time Edo (now Tokyo) was already considered the centre of Ukiyo-e, and that school’s prints were often referred to as Edo-e or Edo paintings and prints.