What do Tang Dynasty (618-907) musical instruments look like? This black-glazed ceramic waist drum with azure-glaze decor is an example of Lushan ware from the Tang Dynasty.
This type of drum, introduced from Central Asia to China, was originally made of wood and animal skin. It has two wide sides and seven raised string patterns on its body. Its smooth lines, color and structure make it a rare piece of ceramic.
As the only complete Lushan waist drum in the Palace Museum’s collection, it provides important information for research on ancient Chinese music.