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SOLD
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SOLD
Ref. 1286 °
Bronze rain drum, beginning of the 20th ct
29 cm high x 26 cm diameter
This magnificent 'side table' is known as rain drum for both the fertility images depicted in the design and for the unique sound they make when struck by the heavy monsoon rains of Southeast Asia. The drum shapes replicate huge bronze artifacts.
A radiating raised sun pattern in the center of the drum is surrounded by concentric rings of geometric patterns moving toward the edge. Four double positioned frogs are standing on the top. At the side, there are two little elephants climbing down the side.
Dating as far back as 1000 BC, the Dong Son culture of Vietnam was arguably the earliest civilization in Southeast Asia to enter the Bronze Age. In some of the ancient burial sites of this culture are examples of these cast bronze drums. Over the next three millenia they spread throughout Indonesia to Burma and Southern China. In primitive societies, ownership of these drums, which were also used in religious ceremonies, implied influence over hidden forces believed to govern events, as well as providing a status symbol signifying material wealth for those powerfull families able to afford large cast bronze pieces. Some civilisations may have pounded the drums to multiply the sound created by armies on the march in order to frighten and impress enemies.
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#7406
German mahogany and fruitwood games table, in the manner of David Roentgen, circa 1760
The hinged top is fitted for chess and draughts, opening to reveal a back gammon gaming surface. On a frieze drawer, on cabriole legs.
With rare chess set made by Jacques, London
84 cm high x 58 cm x 51 cm (closed)
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