Untitled

Unknown

early 15th century · Ivory · Asian Art

In continuous use since the Tang dynasty, the paiban usually comprises two to six slabs of wood strung together at one end with a cord. It is held vertically and clapped to keep time. Here, a beautifully decorated single length of ivory preserves traces of its original red pigment. Red-colored ivory clappers are known in literature of the Northern Song dynasty (11th century).

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 15th century

Medium

Ivory

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2003