When Premier Li Keqiang, the State Councilor of China, visited Zhejiang on December 8th, he was presented with a rattle, which was later collected by the National Museum of China as its first rattle in history. Rattles, as childhood companions, have a long and mysterious past that many may not be aware of.
The earliest form of the rattle was known as "Tao," dating back to the Warring States period. These early versions were used as percussion instruments, relying on shaking to produce sound. However, controlling the rhythm and volume was challenging, and the complex designs often failed to deliver precise results.
By the Song Dynasty, rattles had evolved into three main categories: one for ritual and music, another for commercial use, and the third as children's toys. The use of rattles in religious ceremonies continued, while merchants used them to attract customers. At the same time, they became popular among children.
In Li Wei’s "The Vendor Map" from the Southern Song Dynasty, rattles appear in the painting. The design is elegant, with the drum handle shaped like a gourd and the drum resembling a can. The ears are unique, similar to thongs, and when shaken, they strike the drum to create sound. There is also a "four-layer rattle" made of four progressively larger drums, arranged at 90-degree angles. Each drum has its own ear, and the handle is smooth and delicate. Larger drums produce lower sounds, while smaller ones make higher pitches. When shaken together, they create a harmonious and pleasing sound.
Another notable example is Su Hanchen’s "Five Ruitu," where five boys, some wearing masks or painted faces, dance together. One of them holds a rattle in each hand. The rattles are two-layer drums, with the upper one flat and round, and the lower one long and resembling a waist drum. The drumheads are decorated with patterns, and the longer drums are inlaid with small flowers, showcasing an unprecedented level of craftsmanship.
The widespread popularity of rattles stems from their sound and entertainment value. Just like the calls of street vendors, rattles can produce varied tones to capture attention. Their stylish designs enhance their aesthetic appeal, and even practical versions used by merchants carry a touch of entertainment, reflecting a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere.
Rattles come in various forms. Some feature painted drumheads with intricate patterns, such as those found in Henan, Jiangsu, and Beijing. Others have painted designs around the drum body. Common materials for the drumhead include cowhide and sheepskin, with snake skin, leather paper, and oil paper also used. The drum body is typically wooden, though plastic models have become more common in recent years. The ears are usually made of glass beads, but other materials like glutinous rice, jujube seeds, wood beads, and porcelain beads are also used.
Names of rattles vary across regions and generations. They are often called cymbals, gongs, drums, wave drums, sonar drums, Bolang drums, rocking drums, and snare drums. Many of these names stem from different spellings or pronunciations, but today, "rattle" is the most widely recognized term.
Throughout history, rattles have remained largely unchanged since the pre-Qin era. The designs seen in ancient paintings and patterns are remarkably similar to modern-day rattles. It's astonishing that a simple toy has endured for over 2,000 years without significant changes.
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