Vintage Japanese Mokugyo Buddhist Wooden Fish Drum With Striker, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-996-3

Japanese Mokugyo Fish Drum | Buddhist Altar Instrument & Meditation Decor, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-996-3

A richly lacquered wooden fish drum from a Japanese Buddhist temple -- carved with two facing fish and gilded scale detail, complete with its original striker.

A mokugyo is a traditional Japanese Buddhist percussion instrument used in temples and home altars to keep the rhythm of sutra chanting during daily devotional practice. Carved from a single piece of hardwood into the form of two fish facing each other -- an ancient symbol of wakefulness and spiritual vigilance -- this example is finished in a deep cinnabar-red lacquer over the hollow resonating body, with the upper register rendered in glossy black lacquer. Gilded scale panels carved in relief accent each side of the body, while a small gilt boss marks the crown where the two fish heads meet. The slot opening at the base of the body and a second opening on the underside allow the struck dome to resonate with a clear, warm knock. This handcrafted Japanese Buddhist instrument represents a classic form produced by temple craft workshops during the Late Showa period, when demand for home altar goods remained strong across Japan.

Today the mokugyo makes a compelling living room accent or meditation room focal point, bringing the wabi-sabi aesthetic of Japanese temple craft into a modern interior. Displayed on a shelf or altar table, its bold red-and-black lacquer and sculptural fish form read as expressive decorative art -- an ideal gift for collectors of Japanese antiques, practitioners of Buddhism or mindfulness, or anyone drawn to Japandi style interiors. It can also be used as intended: a gentle rhythmic strike with the included mallet produces a mellow, grounding tone well suited to meditation or sound-healing practice at home.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hardwood body with cinnabar-red and black lacquer finish; gilt-painted scale relief panels; wooden striker with lacquered red handle
• Use: Buddhist temple and home altar percussion instrument -- struck with the included mallet to keep rhythm during sutra chanting and devotional practice
• Modern Use: Meditation room or altar table accent; living room decorative sculpture in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior; functional sound instrument for mindfulness and sound-healing practice
• Features: Hollow resonating body carved in the form of two facing fish; cinnabar-red lacquer over the dome body; glossy black lacquer on the carved fish-head crown; gilded fish-scale relief panels on each side; gilt boss at the apex; slot sound opening at the front and vent on the underside; original wooden striker included with lacquered red handle and natural wood ball head
• Dimensions: --
• Condition: Excellent

A striking piece of Japanese antique Buddhist craft -- equal parts sacred instrument and sculptural living room accent -- that carries the resonance of temple tradition into any modern home.

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 vintage and 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.