A FINE PAIR OF ANTIQUE BRONZE RAIN DRUMS, KHALaos, 19th century or earlier. Each heavy, round, drum with a waisted base, the top and side finely cast in relief with concentric bands of decoration, the top with a star symbol in the center and four groups of frogs piled on top of one another applied at the rim, the sides with pairs of strap handles. One with two processions of frogs in relief descending one side, the other with two processions of ´Hamsa´ birds. Condition: Good condition with minor dents, some warping, natural malachite-green encrustations, all commensurate with age. Provenance: French trade. Dimensions: Height 38 cm, and 39.5 cm, diameter 50 cm, and 51 cmAuction result comparison: Compare with a related bronze rain drum also featuring piles of three frogs at Christie’s New York in The Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Part V - European Decorative Arts, Carpets, Old Master Paintings and Asian Works of Art on 21 March 2015, lot 1011, sold for USD 32,500.Kha drums in Laos, also known as fertility drums, are adorned with bronze frogs at the top, symbolizing water and rain. When the drum is suspended by its handle, its sound resembles thunder or the bellowing of a bullfrog, signaling the approach of rain.