Signed “bangu” Opera Drum, China, 19th Century

Double-sided circular drum decorated with phoenixes and dragons painted on a skin stretched around a wooden core using upholstery nails. Each side is signed. Canton, QING dynasty, Late 19th century. This type of very specific flat drum, generally called "Bangu" ("pan-ku" or "danpi"), is one of the essential sounds of Chinese opera. It can also be used as accompaniment in chamber music. The two phoenix and dragon designs signed on each side gracefully decorate the skin with a beautiful patina and traces of use that attest to its good age. Percussion plays an important role in Chinese opera. It sets the tempo and accompanies the movements of the actors. The bangu is struck with thin sticks, generally made of bamboo, and produces a sound at the