The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Tanggu

Period:: Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Date:: 19th century
Geography:: Shangai, China
Medium:: Wood, oxhide, lacquer, brass
Dimensions:: Overall: 55.9 x 55.9cm (22 x 22in.) Drum: 42.3 x 35.8cm (16 5/8 x 14 1/8in.) Head Diam. 34cm and 34.5cm (13 6/16 x 13 5/8in.)
Classification:: Membranophone-double-headed / barrel drum
Credit Line:: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Accession Number:: 89.4.28 a, b

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 681

Description

The tone and volume of this double-headed barrel drum can be varied by striking the oxhide nearer or farther from the center or rim. Used in theatrical performances or Buddhist rituals, drums similar to this one, suspended in a frame or on poles, have held a place in Chinese music since the Shang dynasty. Newer adaptations of the tanggu are now used in the modern Chinese orchestra.
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: Stamped on each head. 1) Chinese stamp: "Genuine Ma Cheng-Tien"; 2)a seal: made in Shangai, old city; 3) figure of god of prosperity.
References

Catalogue of the Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments: Asia, Gallery 27. 2. Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, 1903, vol. II, pg. 21.

Catalogue of the Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments: Gallery 27. 1. Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, 1901, vol. I, pg. 21.
See also
Who
Elevated Tone Workshop, Guangzhou (Canton) (2)
What
Metal (59,364)

Copper alloy (16,630)

Musical instruments (5,241)

Brass (3,505)

Lacquer (1,745)

Membranophones (650)

Drums (629)

Barrels (75)

Barrel drums (58)
Where
Asia (68,071)

China (17,417)
In the Museum
Musical Instruments (5,221)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Central and North Asia, 1800–1900 A.D.

China, 1800–1900 A.D.