also: おおかわ
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.
In gagaku, the large hand drum marks a distinctive rhythm.
The sight of a noh performer striking the large hand drum is powerful.
Standard kanji spelling for the large hand drum used in gagaku and noh.
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.