Southeast Asia, Burma / Myanmar, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A wonderful example of a playable bronze nipple gong that hangs from a mahogany wood and rope framework with a wooden mallet and a bright orange fabric covering. Burmese gongs are recognizable because of their prominent boss (nipple) in the center, just slightly recessed from the rest of the gong body. The rich patina is deliberately left even when the gongs are being played or is sometimes selectively cleaned away to create patterns like the lotus flower seen on this example! A mellow tone rings out when this is gently hit. Size: 17.4" W x 38.4" H (44.2 cm x 97.5 cm)

The shape of the Burmese gong is one of the most recognizable. They are normally made from bronze and have a prominent round boss sitting on a slightly convex curving face with the edge of the boss being slightly recessed. There is a prominent lip moving over to a gently inwardly sloping rim which is deep - usually 1.5" (3cm) to 5" (12cm) depending on the size of the gong. The oxidized layer is left on the metal and can either be slate grey, black or bottle green in color. The oxidized layer is often scraped to reveal various patterns, with lotus flower petals or star flower mandala patterns being the most common.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-Hawaii, USA collection, 2000

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#170982

Some fraying and staining to orange cloth on mallet. Rope is all new; mahogany bar and mallet are original. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and playable with nice patina throughout.