Artwork Page for Tsuzumi Drum

Details / Information for Tsuzumi Drum

Tsuzumi Drum

鼓

1800s

Japan, Edo period (1615–1868) to Meiji period

(1868–1912)
Medium
Wood with lacquer and sprinkled gold powder (maki-e), hide, iron, and cord
Measurements
Diameter: 20.4 cm (8 1/16 in.); Overall: 25.4 cm (10 in.)
Credit Line
The Charles G. King Jr. collection; Gift of Ralph King in memory of Charles G. King Jr. 1918.349
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Tsuzumi hand drums were used as musical accompaniment for formal theatrical productions such as Noh, but also in traditional folk music. Small tsuzumi like this one are set against one shoulder, and held in place with one hand, while the other hand beats the heads. The sound is adjusted by regulating the humidity of the hide with one’s breath or spittle.
A Tsuzumi drum, an hourglass-shaped drum, features two drumheads. Connecting the drumheads, a cylinder extends from either drumhead, narrowing in the middle, colored dark brown and patterned with gold, leaf-like shapes. Orange-brown cords zig-zag, extending from each drum and cinched in the middle with wound in rope. From where the rope is threaded through the drumhead flare three petallike shapes. The drumheads are beige colored with a dark brown rim and circle within.

Tsuzumi Drum

1800s

Japan, Edo period (1615–1868) to Meiji period (1868–1912)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

    Update or Correct Artwork Information

    Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

    Report a Website Issue

    Further Questions About This Artwork