P’AI PAN (68.59.207a, b, c)
Japan
Idiophone

The most basic way of producing a rhythmic accompaniment is by striking similar objects together, making a clapping sound.  The p’ai pan’s sound is made when the three wooden parts are flicked together. In Kabuki, the p’ai pan keeps the time for mie, exaggerated, expressive poses that actors strike during the climatic moments of the performance.  These poses can be found in contemporary performances of characters like the Power Rangers, who borrow a great deal of their movements from the Kabuki tradition.

Click on the image to see a close-up.