Ancient Indian Sitar – Circa 1910–1930

A beautiful early 20th-century North Indian sitar, entirely hand-crafted and fully original, dating from approximately 1910–1930, most likely made in Benares or Calcutta. An exceptional and perfectly preserved example of pre-industrial Indian lutherie.

Specifications:

• Wood: solid ebony neck and body, unvarnished, finished with natural oil.

• Inlay: finely carved bone decoration, secured with tiny copper nails.

• Frets: copper, tied with original natural gut bindings.

• Sound chamber: natural gourd, aged and intact.

• Finish: no lacquer or varnish ever applied – open-grain surface with century-old patina.

Condition: outstanding for its age – completely original, never restored or modified. The wood’s patina and bone inlay testify to over a hundred years of history.

Estimated period: circa 1915–1930
Origin: North India (Benares or early Calcutta school)
Materials: ebony, bone, copper, natural gut, gourd
Length: approx. 120 cm
Remarks: a museum-grade collector’s instrument, exceptionally rare in this state of preservation.