Temple Drum

A664A

Location: On Display in the Asia Galleries

From: Japan

Curatorial Section: Asian

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Native Name Mokugyo | 木魚
Object Number A664A
Current Location Asia Galleries - On Display
Culture Japanese | Buddhist
Provenience Japan
Date Made 19th Century
Section Asian
Materials Wood | Lacquer | Paint
Technique Carved | Lacquered | Painted
Iconography Fish
Inscription Language Japanese Language
Description

Mokugyo (木魚), wooden lacquered "fish" drum. The long hours of required meditation in Zen temples and monasteries were punctuated by chanting accompanied by striking the Mokugyo. The drum was placed on a large ornamental cushion, flat on one side. It was usualy paired with a large metal bell called a keisu (磬子). The inscription on this drum apears to be a stylized rendering of the characters for "wooden fish".

Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Sarah (William D.) Frishmuth, 1900
Other Number I-213 - Seder Number | LO-1901-1 - Found in Collection Number | 85-28-2 - Found in Collection Number

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