Antique “Wooden Fish” Cadence Drum, China (16801)

Description

A Chinese temple “cadence drum” is large, double-headed barrel drum, or tanggu, placed in a temple’s drum tower. It serves a symbolic and ritualistic purpose, marking the passage of time and creating a solemn cadence for temple activities. Cadence drums are often placed in Chinese temples on the left of the altar, and normally rest a small cushion to prevent damage.

This beautiful cadence drum helped monks and chanters reflect on the meaning of the texts they recited.  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. They are also used for death-rites when people walk in unison in a slow measured procession and for chanting prayers for rain.

Carved fish scales and two fish heads embrace a pearl carved on the handle to symbolize unanimity and accord. Fish are  symbol of the wakeful mind as fish never close their eyes. A fish pair is similar to the 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.  As the  perfect pair they symbolize 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.

Also known as a “temple block,” cadence drums are used China, Japan, Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries.