Pair of Japanese hanging court instruments
Price on request
A rare matching set of large Japanese hanging court instruments, comprising a hanging drum 釣り太鼓 (tsuri’daiko) and a hanging gong 釣鉦鼓 (tsuri’shôko), both mounted in matching black lacquered wooden stands with gilded decoration.
The two instruments share the same architectural design. Each circular frame is crowned by a large gilded wooden flame ornament 火焔 (kaen), centred by an applied repoussé metal roundel depicting a plum blossom 梅 (ume). Further matching plum blossom crests are applied around the black lacquered frames, which are outlined in gold.
Suspended within the larger frame is the drum 太鼓 (taiko), its broad body finished in gold lacquer and the drum skins secured by rows of raised gilt studs. Both faces are prominently decorated in black and gold with the three-comma crest 三つ巴 (mitsudomoe), a motif closely associated with drums, Shintô shrines and traditional Japanese religious architecture.
The smaller matching frame holds a circular metal gong 鉦鼓 (shôko), its face formed with concentric raised rings. The gong is suspended by purple cords and accompanied by decorative silk agemaki 揚巻 knots and tassels.
Both stands are supported on four elegantly spreading warabite-shaped feet and retain their gilt detailing and applied decorative fittings. The instruments can be removed from their respective frames, while the stands themselves can be dismantled for storage and transport.
The tsuri’daiko and shôko form part of the percussion ensemble used in gagaku 雅楽, the classical court music of Japan. The drum provides the principal rhythmic accents, while the shôko contributes a clear metallic sound to the ensemble. Matching examples surviving together as a complete pair are considerably less commonly encountered than individual instruments.
Both instruments are accompanied by two strikers 撥 (bachi).
Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868–1912).
Dimensions tsuri’daiko:
Overall: Height 154 cm, Width 83 cm, Depth 68 cm.
Drum: Diameter 54.5 cm, Depth 25.5 cm.
Dimensions tsuri’shôko:
Overall: Height 109 cm, Width 43 cm, Depth 43 cm.
Gong: Diameter 18 cm, Depth 3.5 cm.
Both instruments are in very good restored condition with traces of wear consistent with age and use. The lacquer and gilding show minor age-related wear, while the drum skins and gong retain visible traces of their functional use. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
