Cymbal with Buddhist Flags, Bhutan, Based

A bronze disc with a silk tail, hung where a prayer might catch it.

Bhutanese makers produced this cymbal with Buddhist flags in bronze, leather, silk and wood in the 20th century. Bronze cymbals are commonly used in Himalayan Buddhist ritual music, and silk hangings are a frequent accent. A round bronze disc with a raised center and a ring of relief designs hangs from a loop, and a narrow banner of gold, rust and blue brocade drops from it. The whole piece rests on a black metal stand.

About 21 inches tall on its base. Quietly ceremonial, and happy to hang back.