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Toji Temple Golden Hall: Hand Drum
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Toji Temple Golden Hall: Hand Drum
JAPAN, Kyoto; Kamakura period (1185–1333); Wood; L: 57.6 cm
It is believed that this ritual instrument was used during services in the Golden Hall of Toji Temple. Consisting of two small drums attached to a long handle, the drums are covered in black hide and decorated in gold. Along their rims, there are numerous short spikes. Sound is produced by rotating the handle and hitting the drums with sticks. This instrument is specially designed with mother-of-pearl inlays of flying clouds and birds. Based on the colors of the instrument, the mother-of-pearl decorations, and its form, this instrument could have been a work of the early Kamakura period (1185-1333). |
