Mokugyo (木魚)

Unknown

19th century · wood · Musical Instruments

Small hand-held mokugyos, and large ones resting on cushions, are used to accompany chants (sutras) in Taoist and Buddhist ceremonies. The handles of this slit drums are decorated with 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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

wood

Culture

Japanese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889