Small Drum Holders (Translation)
小鼓皮 昭和時代 二枚 (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

mid–20th century
Japanese
Horsehide, lacquer, iron rim, gold foil, cord
Overall (Height variable): 7 3/4 × 8 in. (19.69 × 20.32 cm)
2018.435a-d
These lacquered wooden drums serve as the central components of percussion instruments played in Noh theater performances. When fully assembled, they feature horsehide heads on either end, tautly tied with a thick, red cord. Both traditional sizes of Noh drums, small and large, are represented here; the smaller made to be placed on the musician’s right shoulder and the larger on their knee, in both instances struck the player’s right hand.
Showa period (1926-1989)
Maker's seal
Maker's inscription
Kathleen Boone Samuels Memorial Fund

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