dragon flute; ryūteki
A medium-pitched transverse flute made of bamboo, wrapped in bark, with seven finger holes. Used in gagaku (Japanese court music). The alternate reading りょうてき is also encountered.
In gagaku, the ryūteki often carries the main melody.
He was captivated by the sound of the ryūteki and started learning it.
Standard modern kanji spelling.
Traditional kanji spelling using 龍 instead of 竜; also common in gagaku contexts.
The name 竜笛 (dragon flute) is said to come from the instrument's shape or the sound resembling a dragon's cry, but the exact origin is uncertain. It is a traditional Japanese instrument used in gagaku since ancient times.