According to the "Kinpisho" (Records of the history and origin of imperial court ceremonies which set forth the rules and etiquette for carrying out such ceremonies), a practical guide to Yusoku kojitsu (court and samurai rules of ceremony and etiquette) written by Emperor Juntoku, there were once famous biwa called "genjo" and "bokuba."
順徳天皇自身の手による有職故実の解説書『禁秘抄』によれば、かつて「玄上（げんじょう）」と「牧馬（ぼくば）」という琵琶の名器があった。