Rain Drum

China

Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), About AD 100

Probably from south China, drums such as this have close ties to those found throughout Southeast Asia. Dating back to at least the 6th century B.C., modern versions are still made and used today for ritual and artistic performance. Decorated with four frogs and a sunburst pattern, these drums were perhaps used in ancient festivals to bring rain or even to stop the rains when they fell too abundantly.

  • Titles Rain Drum (Descriptive)
  • Artist China
  • Medium bronze
  • Dimensions 13 7/8 × 16 5/8 in. Diam. (35.2 × 42.2 cm)
  • Credit Line Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Charles B. Crow III, AFI.134.2016
  • Work Type drum
  • Classification Furnishings and Equipment