China
Chinese Peking Opera

Wood, cow hide, metal, paint
Mid 20th century
Height: 25.5 in w/stand; Drum height: 13.5 in; Width: 18.5 in w/stand; Drum diameter: 12 in
Membranophones – Struck Membranophones

The pai gu (“flower drum”) is mainly used in Peking opera for the opening ceremonies and to indicate special parts of drama and excitement during the opera by playing drum rolls.  This double headed barrel-shaped pai gu is made of wood painted bright red with hand painted imagery of the foo dog or Chinese guardian lion. Primary colors used are green, gold, black, and red. There are a total of four guardian lions with a variety of floral imagery surrounding them. The heads of the drum are also painted with black trim where the gold metal rivets/tacks are inlaid to attach the skin heads on both sides.  On the center of the drumheads, red and black floral designs are painted against a gold background. The folding wooden stand attaches to the drum via four metal rings on the sides to the hooks on the stand itself. The stand is painted green with curvilinear gold pattern on each of the four legs, where the drum sits deeply into. There are a pair of brown wood beaded drumsticks with red painted handles.