Wood, animal skin, red, black and gold gilt lacquer

Two-headed Drum

Chinese Tanggu Drum on Stand

China
China

Wood, animal skin, red, black and gold gilt lacquer
ca. late 19thc - early 20th c

Height: 75 inches

The Chinese Tanggu Drum is a traditional ceremonial hall drum from the 19th century. Today the skin heads are not painted and they are used in Chinese orchestral works. Painting on drumhead: The tung oil tree originates in southern China and was cultivated there for tung oil. During the Song Dynasty (North 960–1127 CE / South 1127-1279 CE), tung oil was used for waterproofing. The painted design on this Chinese Tanggu Drum was applied through a process much like pointalism (dots). Once dried, very thin heated (for gas-proof) coats of tung oil (varnish) were applied, sealing the surface permanently.

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC