Contextual Associations

The huapen gu is a double-headed membranophone of the Han Chinese. ‘Huapen gu’ translates as ‘flowerpot drum,’ in reference to the distinctive shape of the drum shell. It is painted a bright red with stylized representations of dragons. The drum is mostly found in modern Chinese chamber and orchestra ensembles, but one is pictured in Stephen Jones' book Folk Music of China (p. 250) as part of a folk Daoist ensemble.

Description

The shell of this drum appears to be made from a solid block of wood hollowed out internally to approximately the same goblet shape as its exterior. The cowhide heads are stretched over both of the shell's open ends and held in place and tension with double rows of tightly spaced tacks. Unpadded stick beaters are used to strike the drumheads.

Player - Instrument Interface and Sound Production

The shell is suspended vertically in its stand with the larger of its membranes facing up. The head is struck with two heavy wood beaters by a standing musician.

Origins/History/Evolution

Thrasher (1984) states that the huapen gu is derived from the barrel-shaped tanggu. It appears to be of relatively recent origin, quite likely in the 20th century.

Bibliographic Citations

Jones, Stephen. 1995. Folk Music of China: Living Instrumental Traditions. Oxford: Oxford University Press.