Black Lacquered Sparrow/Suzume Tsuzumi

Edo Period, 19th Century
Lacquer on Wood, Gold Paint
Japan
12cm x H:29cm

This tsuzumi drum is of a sleek and narrow hourglass form. The body is covered in a glossy black roiro lacquer with flowering paulownia trees and phoenixes in gold and silver togidashi. The gold and silver lacquered phoenixes are depicted with outstretched wings, soaring below and above the paulownia tree’s branches and foliage which winds and bends across the entire body of the drum. The inside of the drum has been left unglazed. Ancient lore has it that if one was to plant a Paulownia tree near their house, the legendary Phoenix would come across their land and bring great prosperity and wisdom.

Tsuzumi are traditional Japanese hand drums with two drumheads. The tsuzumi plays roles in both Noh and Kabuki theatre music, but it is also used in Minyō (Japanese folk music).