Country Group: South and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam)

Item id: 9734

Southeast Asian Bronze Drum, 15th Century or Earlier (Heger Type I — Transitional Dong Son Tradition). This impressive Southeast Asian bronze drum, dating to the 15th century or earlier, belongs to the highly important classification known in the literature as Heger Type I. Drums of this category bridge the period between the end of the Dong Son tradition and the emergence of the more familiar “frog drums” still found throughout Southeast Asia today. As such, they represent one of the most historically significant forms of early regional bronze casting.



This example is superb, with an outstanding, deeply developed patina and excellent overall preservation. The drum itself measures 18.75 inches in diameter and 10.5 inches in height, and reaches 33 inches tall when displayed on its custom antique stand. The stand shows some age-related wear and minor losses, as noted in the photographs, but the drum remains in excellent condition, especially remarkable for an object of this age and type.



The surface is rich and complex, showing centuries of natural oxidation and handling. It comes from an old Southern California collection, where it was long appreciated as a standout piece. A fine and early Heger Type I drum—historically important, visually powerful, and increasingly scarce on the market.