China
Chinese

Wood, gilt, paint, lacquer, metal, ox hide
ca. Late 19th century
Height: 75 inches
Membranophones – Struck Directly

Tanggu literally means ‘ceremonial drum.’  This 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 hall 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