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Cithara Lyre Harp

Experience the elegance of handcrafted 12-string lyre harps, inspired by ancient techniques and artistry.

Crafting Musical Elegance Since Ancient Times

Discover the beauty of our handcrafted 12-string lyre harp, merging classical design with ancient techniques for a unique musical experience, perfect for all musicians seeking elegance and functionality.

A street musician plays a harp in a narrow, old European alleyway. The musician is wearing a hat and warm clothing, suggesting a chilly day. The harp is intricately carved and stands out against the stone walls of the historic buildings. In front of the musician, there is a cloth spread on the ground with scattered coins, indicating he is performing for tips. The setting has a timeless, rustic charm with ornate street lamps and arched windows visible in the background.

150+

15

Handcrafted in England

Unique Artistry

Artistic Elegance

Explore our handcrafted lyre harps, a blend of tradition and beauty.

A beautifully crafted string instrument with intricate carvings rests on a red surface. The body features ornate wooden carvings with leaf-like patterns, and the strings stretch over a polished wooden surface. In the background, additional instruments and objects are visible, contributing to a rich, cultural ambiance.

A wooden sculpture is displayed in a small, dimly lit alcove with textured stone walls. The sculpture features a tall, slender figure with elongated arms reaching upwards, holding a golden, lyre-like instrument. The base of the sculpture is adorned with a treble clef symbol. The alcove is draped with a rich, burgundy cloth at the bottom.

Harmony of the Ages: The Legacy of Apollo's Cithara and Persian Khatam

Crafted with ancient techniques, each lyre is a masterpiece.

Unique Artistry

Every lyre harp showcases intricate inlay, making it a unique work of art.

Inspired by the ancient Apollo citharede, this stunning 12-string lyre harp is a masterful blend of classical design and intricate inlay craftsmanship. Handcrafted in England, each piece showcases exquisite artistry through the use of ancient techniques, wrapping around the body of the harp to create a unique visual appeal. Musicians will appreciate its versatility, as the design accommodates both right- and left-handed players, ensuring an inclusive musical experience. This instrument is perfect for those who seek both elegance and functionality, offering not only beautiful sound but also a striking aesthetic. Please note that the ancient marquetry inlay may vary, adding to the uniqueness of each harp.

Inclusive Design

In ancient Greece, the sound of the cithara—a majestic harp with a deep, resonant voice—was said to echo the voice of the gods. The harp was cherished by none other than Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and the sun, who became known as Apollo Citharede, or "Apollo with the Cithara." He used this divine instrument to bring harmony to the world, soothing minds and lifting spirits.

The cithara harp differed from the smaller lyres of the time, as it was larger and more sophisticated, designed for powerful performances. It often featured intricate designs symbolising the heavens and the arts. Musicians of ancient Greece were drawn to this harp, believing that playing it allowed them to channel Apollo’s divine essence and transcend into a realm of musical purity.

Centuries later, as artisans and musicians across the ancient world shared their crafts, the art of Khatam emerged in Persia. This intricate inlay technique, perfected over generations, involved creating mesmerising geometric patterns using tiny pieces of wood, metal, and ivory. Persian artisans believed that the beauty of Khatam represented unity and balance, core values of their culture and philosophy.

Imagine, then, the merging of these two great traditions: the form of Apollo's cithara decorated with Khatam inlay. This combination represents not only the union of different cultures but also the timeless dedication to artistry that spans generations.

This fusion of Greek and Persian artistry is a symbol of how creativity transcends borders, uniting people through shared appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. The cithara’s classical form and Khatam’s intricate patterns are a dialogue between two worlds, each contributing its essence to create something truly extraordinary—a celebration of human ingenuity and the enduring legacy of artistic exchange.

Today, cithara-inspired harps adorned with Khatam patterns serve as a living testament to history. They invite musicians to embrace the resonance of Apollo’s mythical harp while celebrating the meticulous beauty of Persian craft. These instruments are more than just musical tools; they are heirlooms of art and culture, carrying the ancient traditions of both Greece and Persia into the modern world, ready to inspire new generations.

Design History

Sound Test

Listen to our live performance to discover beauty of Cithara sound