O-tsuzumi (大鼓 )

20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
Otsuzumi and Kotsuzumi are drums used in Noh, Nagauta (dance music), geza and in traditional folk music. Their structure is similar but the otsuzumi is larger and has thicker heads. Heads, made of horsehide and attached to iron rings, are tightly laced to the cherry wood body. The otsuzumi is held in the left hand on the left thigh with the right hand striking the head.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: O-tsuzumi (大鼓 )
  • Date: 20th century
  • Geography: Japan
  • Culture: Japanese
  • Medium: Wood, hide
  • Dimensions: 11 1/4 × 9 1/16 in. (28.6 × 23 cm)
  • Classification: Membranophone-double-headed / cylindrical drum
  • Credit Line: Gift of Herbert J. Harris, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.467.33
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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