Kumoi Jishi, Kinko-ryu Shakuhachi Honkyoku

Kumoi Jishi (Cloud-lion) belongs to the category of Honkyoku, but it is lighter in feeling than the usual Honkyoku. This piece is said to have been played by the Komuso as a divertissement between serious performance practices. It was transmitted by the Komuso-temple Itcho-ken in Hakata, Kyushu, which was a branch of the famous Myoan-ji in Kyoto. "Kumoi" means Cloud and "Jishi" refers to the mythical Chinese dog-lion, often depicted as dancing playfully among peony flowers, accompanied by butterflies. This Honkyoku "Kumoi Jishi" was once highly popular in Kyushu because of its beautiful, brilliant melodies. It was arranged by YOSHIDA Itcho and was included in the Kinko-ryu repertory. Played on a 1.8 Kinko-Shakuhachi by Armin Lohbeck 琴古流尺八　ローベック・アーミン