Items Similar to 20th Century Southeast Asian Burmese Bronze Rain Drum Cocktail Table
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14
20th Century Southeast Asian Burmese Bronze Rain Drum Cocktail Table
About the Item
"Mid-20th century Bronze rain drum side tables. Having intricate geometric decoration throughout the top and body. Along the top are four beautifully realized frogs. The body showcased sculptural elephants, Koi fish and handles. Round glass top can be added for modernization.
All night, the sound of rain on my sail, among the reeds-
Drop after drop
Leading my dreams through the rivers and lakes.
-Chin Nung (1687–1764), from Mooring in the Rain at Sung-Ling
Rain Drums, also known as Bronze Drums, are functional objects with a higher purpose. Originally crafted as tribal drums used in Southeast Asian rituals, their hollow bronze shape transforms the sound of monsoon rains into music. The characteristics that once endowed these drums with sacred power now make them objects of great aesthetic and acoustic beauty.
Rain Drums originated with the Dong Son culture in Southeast Asia, dating as far back as the mid-to-late Bronze Age (1,000–700 BC). Metal workers poured and set molten bronze in a cast, freed the hardened drums from their molds, then carved them with intricate motifs as the metal cooled. The art of sculpting bronze drums remains a refined skill, acquired over many years and passed on through apprenticeships.
Long associated with water and rain, the drums were at one time used in boats to keep time for oarsmen and signal to other ships. In Southeast Asian ritual, rain drums were played to make music for spirits and communicate with ancestors. The intricate patterns on the tops of rain drums reference creatures associated with the rainy season. Toads and frogs, for example, are water creatures that symbolize the moon. Geometric motifs, such as eight-pointed stars or wheels with 12 spokes, are often inscribed on the drums to bring luck.
Families that owned rain drums were blessed with wealth and power. The ability to offer music to the rain gods implied a measure of control over agrarian China’s most valuable resource. As the incarnation of female yin and male yang, rain was not only important to physical sustenance, but spiritual survival as well. Even today, rain drums are highly valued objects. Prized for their longevity, rain drums combine the yang attribute of strength with the yin quality of delicate beauty.
In modern gardens, rain drums continue to fulfill their age-old purpose, echoing the music of rainfall. Bronze drums can also be used indoors as tables, stools, and plant stands. The graceful combination of opposites that ancient craftsmen used to evoke the harmony of yin and yang now appeals to contemporary designers for similar reasons-bronze drums are durable yet delicate, a striking balance of form and function."
DIMENSIONS
20" x 16.5" / Surface Height - 15" (Diameter x Height).
- Dimensions:Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good Overall; Pitting / corrosion from use and age. Sun Fading.
- Seller Location:Dayton, OH
- Reference Number:Seller: 381721stDibs: LU5343234428272
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2010
1stDibs seller since 2020
1,181 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Dayton, OH
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All2 Arhaus Naomi Round Aluminum Glass Cocktail Side Drum Coffee Tables Pair
Located in Dayton, OH
Arhaus Naomi coffe or accent table in Pewter finish. A nice mix of contemporaryy and modern styling. Made of aluminum featuring reticulated geometric desi...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Oak Scandanavian Slat Coffee Cocktail Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive Mid Century Modern coffee table. Features a sculptural oak form with an open slatted base and tapered peg legs. Marked along underside 20529. 54".
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Oak
2 Mid-Century Modern Macassar Ebony Console Coffee Cocktail Tables Art Deco Pair
Located in Dayton, OH
"An impressive pair of Mid Century console tables. A high gloss rectangular form made from Macassar Ebony with 3 tiers, rounded supp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
Vintage Wood Scalloped Gallery Tray Top Butler Coffee Cocktail Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage wood coffee table featuring rectangular form with scalloped gallery and handles.
Measures: 40" x 24" x 24" / Surface Height - 19" ...
Category
Late 20th Century Rustic Tray Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Williams Sanoma Tribeca Rosewood & Chrome Modern Tiered Coffee Cocktail Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Williams Sonoma Home Tribeca Coffee Table. Sturdy stainless-steel chrome finished frame features seamless welding for a sleek, uniform appearance....
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Painted Pine Distressed Farmhouse Rustic Country Coffee Cocktail Table
Located in Dayton, OH
American Country farmhouse one drawer coffee or cocktail table, circa last quarter 20th century. Made from pine with a green and red painted finish. Features mortise and tenon joiner...
Category
Late 20th Century Country Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Pine, Paint
You May Also Like
Antique Southeast Asian Bronze Rain Drum
Located in Pasadena, CA
This a very large Southeast Asian patinated cast bronze rain drum or frog drum.
The intended use of the rain drum was ceremonial and was used to invoke rain and serve as an instrum...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktai...
Materials
Bronze
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Southeast Asian Bronze Rain Drum Table
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Boho side table. A chic bronze drum table with lots of beautiful detail. A fantastic all over patina from time. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category
Late 20th Century Indonesian Tables
Materials
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Pair of Large Southeast Asian Rain Drum Side Tables
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Awesome pair of Southeast Asian rain drum side tables made of bronze. They are absolutely gorgeous, they have a lot of great features, including two elephants going down. These side ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Side Tables
Materials
Bronze
Southeast Asian Bronze Rain Drum or Drinks Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Substantial and rare Shan style Southeast Asian patinated cast bronze rain drum or frog drum that could serve as a side or drink table. The bronze drum has an hourglass form and is t...
Category
20th Century Southeast Asian Tribal Side Tables
Materials
Bronze
Southeast Asian Bronze Rain Drum or Drinks Tables
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large Shan style southeast Asian patinated cast bronze rain drum or frog drum that could serve as a side table or drink table. The bronze drum has a tapered form typically from east ...
Category
20th Century Asian Tribal Side Tables
Materials
Bronze
Southeast Asian Bronze Rain Drum or Drinks Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large and rare Shan style Southeast Asian patinated cast bronze rain drum or frog drum that could serve as a side or drink table. The bronze drum has a taper...
Category
20th Century Southeast Asian Tribal Side Tables
Materials
Bronze
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Century Furniture Drum Table
Round Bronze Cocktail Table
Round Drum
Asian Glass Top Table
Mid Century Plant Stand Table
Rain Table
Long Asian Table
Bronze Drum
Free Form Cocktail Table
Metal Table On Wheels
Mid Century Chinese Coffee
Coffee Table With Wheels
China Coffee Sets
Sculptural Bronze Coffee Table
Cast Metal Cocktail Table
Molten Table
Used Drum Sets
Coffee Tables Drop