also: おおかわ
noun
large hand drum
A large Japanese hand drum used in traditional music such as gagaku and noh. Played with the hand, not sticks. The reading おおつづみ is more common, but おおかわ is also used.
雅楽では、大鼓が独特のリズムを刻む。
In gagaku, the large hand drum marks a distinctive rhythm.
能楽師が大鼓を打つ姿は迫力がある。
The sight of a noh performer striking the large hand drum is powerful.
Alternate kanji spelling using 革 (leather), emphasizing the drum's material. Rarely used.
Kana spelling for the reading おおかわ, which is also a valid reading for this instrument.
The word combines 大 (large) and 鼓 (drum). The reading つづみ is the native Japanese word for hand drum, while かわ refers to the leather skin of the drum. The exact historical derivation of the dual readings is uncertain.