Kettledrum, engraved, gilded copper (tombac), partly inlaid with a black substance
Turkey; 2nd half of 16th century
H: 20; Maximum diam: 26 cm
Inventory number 30/1987
Kettledrums were traditionally used in both Islamic and Christian armies. In the Ottoman army, small kettledrums were usually paired and tied to the drummer’s saddle. They were struck with the hand and could be toned to two pitches.
This kettledrum is only decorated with large, engraved flowers and arabesques on the part that was intended to face outward. The surface treatment varies between shiny and chased sections and areas with deep engravings. The resulting differences in how light was reflected make the decorated sections stand out even from a distance.
This kettledrum is only decorated with large, engraved flowers and arabesques on the part that was intended to face outward. The surface treatment varies between shiny and chased sections and areas with deep engravings. The resulting differences in how light was reflected make the decorated sections stand out even from a distance.
Published in
Published in
Kjeld von Folsach: Islamic art. The David Collection, Copenhagen 1990, cat.no. 352;
Kjeld von Folsach, Torben Lundbæk and Peder Mortensen (eds.): Sultan, Shah and Great Mughal: the history and culture of the Islamic world, The National Museum, Copenhagen 1996, cat.no. 175;
Kjeld von Folsach: Art from the World of Islam in The David Collection, Copenhagen 2001, cat.no. 559;
Kjeld von Folsach, Joachim Meyer and Peter Wandel: Fighting, Hunting, Impressing. Arms and Armour from the Islamic World 1500-1850, The David Collection, Copenhagen 2021, cat.no. 77;
Kjeld von Folsach, Torben Lundbæk and Peder Mortensen (eds.): Sultan, Shah and Great Mughal: the history and culture of the Islamic world, The National Museum, Copenhagen 1996, cat.no. 175;
Kjeld von Folsach: Art from the World of Islam in The David Collection, Copenhagen 2001, cat.no. 559;
Kjeld von Folsach, Joachim Meyer and Peter Wandel: Fighting, Hunting, Impressing. Arms and Armour from the Islamic World 1500-1850, The David Collection, Copenhagen 2021, cat.no. 77;
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