The drum is built from joined wooden sections, with animal hide pulled across both faces and fixed by large, individually hammered tacks. Iron rings on the body allow it to be carried or suspended. The darkened hardware and softened pigments suggest the instrument was handled and used, not just used as decoration. Painted across its two hide faces are a dragon and the fenghuang.
The dragon traditionally embodied strength, authority, rain, and active yang energy. The fenghuang, often translated as the Chinese phoenix, was associated with virtue, peace, prosperity, and complementary yin energy. When paired, the two creatures symbolized harmony and balance.
In the early twentieth century, small Chinese tack drums entered Western music shops and early drum sets as exotic-sounding “Chinese tom-toms.” Similar hand-painted examples were imported in groups and adapted by Western percussionists before standardized modern tom-toms became common.
Details
Origin: Southern China
Date: c.1910–1940
Material: Wood, animal hide, iron tacks and suspension rings
Decoration: Hand-painted dragon on one face and fenghuang on the reverse
Dimensions:Apx: 12 inches Diameter, 5.5 inches Deep
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related character. Surface wear, pigment loss, staining and discoloration present. The drum is sound and playable. Please examine all photographs carefully.
