Decorated bass viola da gamba

This six-string viol is based on a early 17th century viol made by Henry Jaye. It features many techniques of decorations which were commonly found on the instruments of this period. The head is an intricate carving of a woman – the female version of a satyr – who's horns are made of bone and wear a gold painted vegetal crown. Fine relief carving on all side of the pegbox and neck root enhance the beauty of this unique instrument. The geometrical marquetry on the fingerboard and tailpiece contrast with renaissance curves of the gold-painted front. More geometrical purfling designs in the corner and on the back of the instrument, typical of the viols of this era make it a truly unique viol.