​Bolang Gu 撥浪鼓

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Dublin Core

Title

​Bolang Gu 撥浪鼓

Subject

Toy, Kids, Play

Description

The rattle-drum is one of the oldest and most traditional toys in China.

Date

Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC)

Format

Palm size

Type

Craft

Crafts Item Type Metadata

Crafting Methods

It is crafted with a handle and a wooden ball hanging from a string attached to each end of the edge to beat the drum.

Materials

Wood, Leather, Paper

Usage and Application

During Song Dynasty, the Bolang Gu drum found its way in ceremonies, music and commercial activities. It also became a toy for children, enjoying an immense popularity, mainly thanks to its sound effect and its entertaining function.

Although pellet drums are often used in religious ritual (particularly Tibet, Mongolia, India, and Taiwan), small versions are also used in East Asia as children’s toys or as noisemakers by street vendors. Such small versions are sometimes also referred to as rattle drums.

Collection

Citation

“​Bolang Gu 撥浪鼓,” CCCH9051 Group 64, accessed October 3, 2024, https://learning.hku.hk/ccch9051/group-64/items/show/26.

Output Formats