Mokugyo (木魚)

Unknown

ca. 1800–1889 · Wood · Musical Instruments

Small hand-held mokugyos (slit drums), and large ones resting on cushions, are used to accompany chants (sutras) in Taoist and Buddhist ceremonies. Some possess handles and are in the form stylized fish, which hold in their mouths a ball, symbol of the universe. Having no eyelids, the fish symbolizes wakeful attention and vigilance in devotion. This less abstracted version is meant to be suspended.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1800–1889

Medium

Wood

Culture

Japanese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889