Antique acoustic parlor guitar c.1881 belonging to Fermin Barrios. It is believed that Fermin Barrios was a relative of world-famous Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer Agustin Barrios. 36'' tall and 3 3/4'' deep, with the lower bout measuring 11 3/4'' and the upper 8.5''. Waist is 7''.

This is a stunning acoustic parlor guitar with beautiful mother-of-pearl detailing. Ornately patterned mother-of-pearl and inlaid wood rosette, mother of pearl trim, and mother of pearl detailing on the neck, headstock, and bridge. Strip of inlaid diamond patterned wood running down the back and around sides and bottom of the body. Some minor scratches on the back and a slight crack on the back, crack in the wood on the front, near the top of the body. Guitar is in good condition and is in the same style as the guitars Agustin Barrios had in his collection.

In pencil, on the inside of the body of the guitar, is written, "Fermin Barrios San Jose Octubre de 1881." San Jose is possibly a reference to the district in Paraguay.

Agustin Barrios was born Paraguay in 1885, and was largely regarded as one of the greatest performers and most prolific composers for guitar. His music lay undiscovered and unappreciated for over three decades after his death. A revival of his music began in 1977 with an album released by John Williams, on which he plays Barrios' songs, bringing overdue recognition to this forgotten Latin American guitarist. Today Barrios' music is frequently performed by major concert artists and is appreciated by audiences worldwide.

This stunning handmade guitar transports us to the late 1800's, when guitar luthiers dedicated their lives to creating exquisite guitars to be played by musical masters. This guitar is an impressive example of Latin American guitar making at the turn of the 19th century.

Good conditions