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Clarsach associated with Mary, Queen of Scots

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Postcard of Clarsach associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.
000-190-000-736-C
© National Museums Scotland

Clarsach associated with Mary, Queen of Scots

This shows the left hand view of a clarsach dating from around 1500, said to have been given by Mary, Queen of Scots to Beatrice Gardyn of Banchory in 1563. The clarsach is one of the two oldest surviving clarsachs from Scotland.

The roundels on either side of the forepillar depict mythical beasts. Faint traces of pigment amongst the decoration suggest that it was picked out in colour. The roundel patterns are probably derived from medieval book illustrations.

The clarsach was played in royal households from the 10th to the 16th centuries. It was the instrument of the Gael of north and west Scotland and Ireland.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-000-736-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LT 1
Date: Around 1500
c. 1500
Material:
Dimensions: 812 x 510 mm
What: Clarsach / harp
Subject: Musical instruments (NMAS Classification)
Who: Beatrix Gardyne of Banchory (Owner)
Mary, Queen of Scots (Presenter)
Robertson of Lude
Where: Scotland
Scotland, Perthshire, Atholl
Event:
Description: Clarsach or Highland harp said to have been given by Mary, Queen of Scots, to Beatrix Gardyne of Banchory while on a hunting trip in Atholl, c. 1563, made in the West Highland region, c. 1500
References:
Translations:
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