Rare Antique Hand Carved “Wooden Fish” Cadence Drum, China (16801BSK)

Description

This rare and beautiful cadence drum was used in a Chinese temple to help monks and chanters  think about the meaning of the texts they recite. Carved fish scales and two fish heads embrace a pearl carved on the handle to symbolize unanimity and accord. The fish pair is similar to the popular pair of dragons chasing a flaming pearl, an ancient, very auspicious image in which the pearl is a wish-granting jewel creating wealth, prosperity and wisdom and as the  perfect pair symbolizes bringing harmony to the world. Hollow to insure a specific sound when struck, the drum’s sounds vary depending on its size, thickness, density and type of wood used, the amount of hollow area inside, and where it is struck. The wear on the back side of the drum reflects where it was struck. Cadence drums are often placed in Chinese temples on the left of the altar, and normally rest a small cushion to prevent damage. They are used for death-rites when people walk in unison in a slow measured procession and also for chanting prayers for rain. In Chinese Pure Land Buddhism, it is struck for emphasis during chants of Amitabha Buddha’s name. Also called the “Wakeful Drum,”  it awakens the mind to its real nature, produces an alertness that keeps meditators attentive and mindful, and is a symbol of the wakeful mind as fish never close their eyes. Also known as a “temple block,” cadence drums are used China, Japan, Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries.