The history of this unique embellished tambourine is obscure, though the percussion instrument itself is American-made and dates to around 1930. It is ringed by cut-tin petals with scalloped edges that have been pierced with stars and crosses and painted with flowers and leaves. The petals are hinged so that they fold onto the tambourine when not in "bloom." This act of folding and unfolding may be related to a musical performance format of the period. This was the height of burlesque, for instance, which often involved coquettish hiding and revealing.

Stacy C. Hollander, "Tambourine Flower," exhibition label for Recent Gifts. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2013.