John J. Gredler Works of Art

Southeast Asian Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Rain Drum as Side Table

Southeast Asian Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Rain Drum Side Table

18th or 19th century bronze rain drum with unusual (incredible!) gilt surface. I have owned many of these over the years, all with wonderful patinas but never one that was gilt. Makes great side or end tables, as is or with a glass top. See the photos and video taken in natural light that show the vibrancy of the patina. Burmese (Myanmar) bronze Karen tribal rain drum with intricate decoration on the top and around the body of the drum with four piggy-backed frogs on the tympanum three elephants in relief on one side. These drums are also referred to as frog drums and have been used for hundreds of years in various tribal rituals in south East Asia, especially so among the Karen people of Thailand and Myanmar for a number of different ceremonial rituals. This particular drum is the best quality both in casting and the amazing patina that I have seen. The crisp decoration and variegated gilt and verdigris patina argue that this is an early example, likely 18th century or earlier.

17.5" h  x  23.5" diameter