Rare Antique Hand Carved “Wooden Fish” Cadence Drum, China (16801BSK)
$875.00
H: 12” W:11.75” D: 9.5” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING QUOTE OR EMAIL VANISHINGARTS213@GMAIL.COM
Cadence drums in the form of carved pairs of fish are used by monks and lay people in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition to create a cadence and chanting rhythm during rituals when reciting and memorizing sutras, mantras, and other Buddhist texts. This rare beautiful drum is held by its handle composed of a pair of fish surrounding a pearl symbolizing unity and harmony and struck on the side with a wood mallot. Wear on its rear side indicates years of use.
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.
Additional information
Weight | 9 lbs |
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Dimensions | 11.75 × 9.5 × 12 in |
Period | Antique, Qing Dynasty, 9 Lbs |
Date | 19th Century |
Materials and Technique | Wood |
Dimensions (inches) | Ht: 12” W:11.75” D: 9.5” |
Dimensions (metric) | Ht: 30.48cm W: 29.84cm D: 24.13cm |
Condition | Very good, expected wood and paint losses on both sides from use. |
Item Number | 16801BSK |
Shipping Box Size | Oversized. Call 213-568-3030 or email vanishingarts213@gmail.com for shipping. |