Antique Japanese Ceremonial Brass Gong with Lacquered Hardwood Stand, Meiji 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0446-1

Antique Japanese Ceremonial Brass Gong with Lacquered Hardwood Stand, Meiji 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0446-1

A large hand-hammered brass gong suspended from a lacquered hardwood stand inlaid with flying crane motifs -- a striking relic of Meiji-era Japanese ceremonial craft.

A Japanese ceremonial gong of this type is a large, heavy disc of hammered brass or similar metal alloy, traditionally struck to mark the rhythm of communal gatherings, signal the passage of time, or accompany formal rituals. This impressive antique example features a broad circular disc with a prominent central boss, hand-hammered across its entire face to produce the slight irregularities in contour that give each strike its resonant, sustaining tone. The surface has aged beautifully over more than a century, developing a rich patina of deep browns, warm ambers, and pools of verdigris green -- the hallmark of genuinely old Japanese metalwork. The reverse side of the disc bears inscribed characters arranged in a circular pattern around the central boss, likely recording a dedication, donor name, or date of casting; the text is visible but not transcribed here out of caution. The gong is suspended by a linked metal chain from a lacquered hardwood frame finished in a deep oxblood red. The base rail of the stand is decorated with inlaid crane and bird motifs rendered in a lighter contrasting material, a distinctly Japanese decorative touch consistent with Meiji-era display furniture. Scroll-curved feet at each corner complete the composition with quiet elegance.

In a modern home, this antique Japanese gong on stand makes an extraordinary living room accent or entryway statement piece -- its sheer visual presence commands attention without competing with surrounding decor. Against a white or plaster wall it reads almost like sculptural wall art, while its warm red lacquer stand and aged metal disc pair naturally with Japandi style interiors, wabi-sabi aesthetic spaces, or any room that values raw texture and historical depth. Sound practitioners and meditation enthusiasts will appreciate that the disc retains its ability to produce a sustained, resonant tone when struck, making it equally at home in a yoga or meditation studio. It is also a rare and exceptional gift for collectors of Japanese antique metalwork or Japanophiles seeking a truly one-of-a-kind housewarming gift. Few pieces combine ceremonial gravitas, decorative refinement, and sheer scale quite like this.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1868-1911 (Meiji)
• Material: Hand-hammered brass disc with aged patina and verdigris; lacquered hardwood stand with inlaid crane and bird motifs; linked metal suspension chain
• Use: Ceremonial or ritual gong -- struck to mark time, signal gatherings, or accompany formal occasions
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway statement sculpture; meditation or yoga studio sound instrument; collector display piece for Japanese antique enthusiasts
• Features: Large circular hammered disc with prominent central boss; rich multi-toned patina with verdigris; inscribed characters on reverse face; oxblood-red lacquered hardwood frame; inlaid flying crane motifs along base rail; scroll-curved feet; original linked chain suspension
• Dimensions: 38"W x 11 1/2"D x 39"H
• Condition: Excellent

A commanding piece of Japanese antique metalwork that brings the resonance, beauty, and ceremonial spirit of the Meiji era into any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.