Artwork Page for Handle of a Jiangu Drum

Details / Information for Handle of a Jiangu Drum

Handle of a Jiangu Drum

建鼓頂部)

c. 770–475 BCE

China, Zhou dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE), Spring and Autumn period

(770–475 BCE)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 9 cm (3 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1941.548
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The square stud on the head of each figure may represent a bun.

Description

The most remarkable feature of this object is the four kneeling figures with ornamented bodies; Han dynasty sources mention cut hair and tattooing as a custom among the local Yue people. This bronze work served as a handle and top ornament of a large, barreled drum called jiangu (建鼓), supposedly made of lacquer and alligator skin. Two comparable handles from tombs dated to the Spring and Autumn period in Jiangsu and Anhui provinces were found amid musical instruments. The handle allows the drum to be suspended and played from the sides.

Handle of a Jiangu Drum

c. 770–475 BCE

China, Zhou dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE), Spring and Autumn period (770–475 BCE)

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