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Drum Shell

Drum Shell

Original Language Title蒔絵小鼓胴
CultureJapanese
Date15th-16th century
MediumLacquer on wood with gold decorations in maki-e technique
DimensionsOverall: 10 × 4 inches (25.4 × 10.16 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: the Thomas L. Beckett Fund in memory of Ethel Knapp Beckett and Thomas F. Beckett, Laurence Sickman Asian Art Acquisition Fund, Oriental Deaccessioning Fund, bequest of Jeanne Harris, and exchange of gifts of Daryl R. Halterman in memory of Mary Atkins' great-niece, Wilma H. Coke Halterman
Object number2007.31
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DescriptionThe drum core is made of a single block of hollowed wood in the shape of an hourglass. Inside, the wood is channeled. The lacquer coat of the exterior is decorated with flowing streams and a variety of seashells in gold. Some forms of the gold decorations are of solid, flat shapes, while others are textured by gold burrs sprinkling over the brown lacquer.Gallery Label
The sound of a beating drum can evoke strong emotions when matched with performers on stage. The musician playing this drum would join flutists, chorus members, and actors on stage during a traditional form of Japanese theater called Nō. The shell of the drum, called kotsuzumi (the double-headed hourglass-shaped shoulder drum), is often lacquered.
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