Jwago

Kyung Suk Park

20th century · Wood, canvas, metal, hide · Musical Instruments

The jwago is a drum used in court rituals and banquets. The jwago is hung vertically providing a flat surface for the seated musician to play. This drum often reinforces the channgo in court orchestras and wind ensembles. The stamp on the head is that of the maker, Park, Kyung Suk, who is known as No. 63 National Treasure. Description: Cylindrical drum attached vertically by three hooks to a two-armed frame which is painted red and decorated with painted flower motifs; two skin heads attached to drum by concealed nails and large decorative metal tacks spaced evenly around circumference; red, yellow, and black painted triple helix in center and decorative border around perimeter of each head; body covered with canvas with two yellow and blue painted dragons, each chasing a jewel; rattle inside drum; one red-painted wood stick with bulbous tip covered with crocheted string and tassel. (J. Kenneth Moore, 1982)

Artist

Kyung Suk Park

Date

20th century

Medium

Wood, canvas, metal, hide

Culture

Korean

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Korean Cultural Service, 1982