Clarsach known as the 'Lamont Harp'

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This is the right hand view of one of the two oldest surviving clarsachs from Scotland. The clarsach dates from around 1500 and is known as the 'Lamont Harp' after the family who owned it in the early 16th century.

The clarsach is made up of three parts: the soundbox on the right, the forepillar on the left and, at the top, the harmonic curve. These three elements have been mortised together, the joints settling and distorting under the tension of the strings.

In the early 16th century this clarsach passed as a marriage dowry of Lilias, daughter of Sir John Lamont, to the Roberston family of Lude in Perthshire. It was preserved by this family for several generations before passing to John Stewart of Dalguise.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-749-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LT 2
• Date: Around 1500
  c. 1500
  
• Material: Brass
  Harp
  
• Dimensions: 952 mm x 469 mm
  
• What: Harp
  
• Subject: Musical instruments (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Lamont
  
• Where: Scotland
  
• Event:
• Description: Harp with ornamental mountings of brass, called the 'Lamont Harp', Scotland, c. 1500
  
• References:
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