Mu Yu

Unknown

early 20th century · Wood, polychrome · Musical Instruments

The fish is a Buddhist symbol of watchfulness, reflecting a belief that the fish never sleeps. This state of wakeful awareness is reinforced by the hollow sound of the muyu, a fish-shaped slit drum used to accompany Buddhist chant. Laid flat and struck on the red circle with a mallet in measured beats, this version, from Yunnan Province, is a less abstract rendering than most temple instruments. The muyu may also be found in vocal and instrumental ensembles of Guangzhou

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 20th century

Medium

Wood, polychrome

Culture

Chinese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2006