Gong made of cast bronze and gilt lacquer, Thailand, 18th century

A gong of cast bronze coated in black thissi gum with gilt decoration. Disc-shaped with central boss; the decoration consists of two enthroned praying deities surrounded by lattice-work and leafy scrolls. The inside is decorated with astrological devices.

Born in Italy, Stefano Cardu travelled to Siam in the 1870s, where he worked as a draftsman for the Siamese government. Later he established his own architectural practice, named S. Cardu & Co. Building Contractors. He was interested in the culture and history of the region and in the almost thirty years he spent in Bangkok, he formed a crucial collection of oriental art containing objects including objects from India (such as bronzes), China and Japan. On his return to Europe, he deposited his collection with museums like the British Museum and the V&A. He also donated his collection as a gift to the city of Cagliari in Sardinia, where it formed the core of the Stefano Cardu Museum of Siamese Art and is regarded as the most important collection of Siamese art outside Thailand.

Museum Nos. 355-1908 to 364-1908 and 376-1908 to 422-1908 were previously on loan to the Museum from April 1895 to July 1908. [RF 50/1908]

Bought (Cardu Collection). This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

The two kneeling figures are four faced showing they are inhabitants of the heaven of Brahma. This points to the gong's use in Brahmanic ceremonies at the court or in a temple. The reverse surface is engraved with astrological diagrams designed to consecrate and protect it during use. One of the functions of gongs, together with drums, was to signal the king's presence at court.

363 to A -1908