Than pattala
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1900
Materials
resin & leather & glass & metal & gold leaf & glass
Measurements
510 x 1000 x 250 mm
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107457.1
Summary
A Burmese metallophone known as a than pattala. The instrument is made of a hollow box that is high at both ends, two cords run along the length of the box and the various metal plates are attached. The decoration is made of carved panels with green glass backing . A gum called thayo is attached and small pieces of coloured glass inserted, the entire piece is then covered in gold leaf. The carved figures at either end are known as thungedaw and are naked page-boys of the royal court.'A Burmese harmonicaon (Patala) of wood with designs in black resinous gum (thissi) covered with gilding and coloured glass, with two hammers' (Christie's entry)
Provenance
Purchased in 1986 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund from Francis Curzon, 3rd Viscount Scarsdale (1924-2000). Gifted to the National Trust in 1987 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.