A Majestic Drum of the Mysterious Chu State

This striking artifact is more than an instrument; it’s a sculptural emblem of the ancient Chu State (c. 1046–221 BCE). Discovered in Hubei in 2002, this lacquerware piece stands over 1.3 meters in height and width.

Its design is a powerful visual statement. Two crouching tigers form the base. Standing triumphantly on their backs are two long-legged phoenixes (鳳鳥), their necks elegantly outstretched. A large drum hangs between them, supported by two smaller mythical creatures. The entire work is coated in lustrous black lacquer and painted with vivid red and yellow pigments.

This composition reveals core Chu beliefs. The phoenix, supreme in their mythology, soars above the tiger, which may represent conquered earthly forces. This hierarchy illustrates the Chu ideal of spiritual transcendence. The square frame around the round drum also mirrors the ancient Chinese cosmological concept of “a round heaven and a square earth.”

Beyond its ritual role in communicating with deities, such drums were likely used in aristocratic ceremonies. When played, the majestic sound, combined with the sculptural spectacle, would have created an immersive experience of power and reverence.