Rare Small Bronze Laos Rain Drum

Description

A rare small size bronze Laos rain drum. Would have originally been given as a gift to a wealthy family’s children to play. Stunning relief work seen with great detail on all sides. Pair of four frogs sit atop the flat surface. Excellent original condition with beautiful patina consistent with age.

With a lot of respect, if not fearfully, Kmmu played bronze drums for all kinds of ceremonies: to pray for the rain to come or to stop, to protect against animals or thieves in harvest times, to help astrologists’ prophecies etc.

Laos was until recently a famous “Bronze Drums’ Nation”, both for its native devotees and for the “elite” families—more collectors than believers. In fact these drums were not so old and possibly only produced during the last three centuries in eastern Myanmar by reference to the neo-colonial frontiers.

Late 18th / Early 19th Century

14 1/2″ high X 18″ wide