Tibetan-Chinese, 18th – early 19th century. The waisted double-sided drum built from two halves of skull tops with green dyed leather coverings, the waist with an embossed and incised silver band to which the two drum sticks are attached, with finely embroidered banners bearing endless knots and shou characters. Overall a spectacular and rare ensemble.
Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and losses. Superb naturally grown patina. The textiles with loose threads, losses and slightly faded. Provenance: From a Hungarian private collection. By repute collected in Mongolia between 1950 and 1960.
Weight: 116 g (the drum alone) Dimensions: Length including banners ca. 110 cm, diameter of drum 9.5 cm
Auction result comparison: Compare with a closely related Damaru at Sotheby’s New York in Indian & Southeast Asian Art, 24 March 2004, lot 120, sold for USD $15,600.