Adam's Country House Collections 12th & 13th October 2020

197 Country House Collections|12 th & 13 th October 2020 568 A PAIR OF CHINESE BRONZE RAIN DRUMS, 17TH/18TH CENTURY, on fitted stands cast to a waisted cylindrical form with twin lug handles, the tops with central sunburst encircled by a concentric band of animals, figures and shou medallions, each 49cm diameter Provenance: Purchased in Wexford c.1910 by Oliver St John Gogarty; thence by descent € 4,000 - 6,000 Bronze drums, often referred to as rain drums or frog drums, have a somewhat disputed cultural origin. They have been pro - duced in South East Asia for over 2500 years and most Vietnamese scholars believe they were first created during the Dong Son period in the Northern part of the country (700 BC - 300 AD). On the other hand, the Chinese argue that they were produced in Southern China in what is now the Yunnan Province. Regardless of their origins, over the following three millennia, their influence spread across many geographical areas of South East Asia, from Indonesia to Burma. As they moved between different cultures, distinct stylistic features emerged. These were categorised by Austrian anthropologist Franz Heger (1853 - 1931) in the early 20th century. He identified specific designs which were organised into four main groups, Heger I, Heger II, Heger III and Heger IV. This lot follows closely to the design characteristics of Heger IV, with the tympanum decorated in the centre with a sunburst motif, encircled by concentric bands of animals and figures. Four writhing dragons either side of a pair of shou medallions which represent longevity in Chinese culture. The style of the dragons resembles that of the Buddha in the Ma So Temple in Hai Dong (1573) and also of the stone plate in Yen Dong Temple in Quang Ninh (1590) which would suggest that this drum was produced in the late 16th early 17th century. These drums performed many roles within South East Asian societies. Ownership of them implied influence over the elemental forces governing the natural world, as well signifying status through material wealth of powerful families. They were also used predominantly as a ritual object in religious ceremonies, as well as rallying cries in battle to embolden the army and frighten their enemy. Many have also been uncovered from ancient burial grounds, suggesting an important role in funeral rituals. Day II LIVE AUCTION: Tuesday 13 th October 2020 starting at 11am