Southeast Asia, Burma (modern day Myanmar), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A Burmese bronze drum known as a "Karen Rain Drum" with an impressive decorative program, rich iconography, and quite a bit of character! The tympanum is adorned with an engraved concentric circular pattern surrounding a central many-pointed star, with four triple-layered decorative frogs positioned equidistantly around the rim. Around the body of the drum are additional intricate engraved decorations, twin double handles, and a precious procession of three miniature elephants ambulating down one side. Drums like this example are sometimes referred to as frog drums (as frogs are oftentimes associated with rain) and have been used in Southeast Asian cultural rituals for hundreds of years. In particular, the Karen people of Thailand and Burma have used such drums in funerary rituals to assist the deceased as they journey to the afterlife and in ceremonies to inspire spirits to bring about rainfall, hence the name Karen Rain Drum. Such bronze drum forms were originated by the Bronze Age Dong Son culture of ancient northern Vietnam during the later period of the Hong Bang Dynasty. Today these drums are highly valued by the Karen people of Thailand and Burma (modern day Myanmar). A wonderful example with a fabulous decorative program that is replete with layers of meaning and, might I add, has aged quite gracefully. Size: 25.625" W x 18.5" H (65.1 cm x 47 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Paul and Louise Bernheimer, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA, acquired before 1980.

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#111871

Nicely aged surface with lovely patina. A small chip to upper rim and some denting to the lower body as shown.