Hi Wayne,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The term "table" is a more modern decorator designation. Southeast Asian rain drums—more accurately called Dong Son bronze drums—are among the most important ritual objects of ancient Southeast Asia. They originated around 500 BCE–200 CE in what is now northern Vietnam, spreading through southern China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia via trade and migration.

Cast in bronze using advanced lost-wax techniques, the drums were decorated with starbursts, boats, birds, warriors, floral elements and geometric bands. They were not everyday instruments: they functioned as ceremonial objects linked to rainmaking, fertility, agricultural cycles, and political authority. Ownership signaled elite or chieftain status, and drums were often buried as prestige grave goods.

They make beautiful patio or coffee tables, particularly with a customized glass top, and have seen a resurgence in popularity among buyers of garden and patio furniture as well as collectors of Asian cultural artifacts. They are often featured with frog-like hooks on the rim (giving the form the term 'frog table') that were used to mounting, hanging or displaying the instrument; yours has these loops on the sides.

Because of this renewed interest, prices for these have risen in the past 30 years and if you're looking for these in a retail setting (dealer's shop or gallery), you'd be reasonably expected to have to spend between $1,500 to $4,500 for one, depending on size and complexity of ornament.

Auctions offer a more affordable alternative and most I've found that have sold recently at auction have brought prices ranging from $300 to $1,000, again, size and ornament being highly influential.

This is a small example with fairly simple decoration, though the leaf motif is a nice touch. At auction, this would probably sell within $300-500.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Southeast Asian bronze rain drum
indeterminate age, probably at least 19th Century
of circular form, the top with concentric bands of decoration from a central star, the flaring conical base with bands above leaf decoration. With small loop handles to the bodies
Height: 15 inches; diameter of top: 18 inches
CONDITION: With verdigris patina overall
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Japan
$ 300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia