Ryozan (active Japan, mid 18th century)
Wooden Slit-Drum (Mokugyo), mid 18th century
Gesso on oak , 23.2 x 36.8 cm (9 1/8 x 14 1/2 in.)
This Japanese Gong, made of Gesso on oak and painted black, is shaped like a stocky fish with a human face. It is carved with an open mouth, short pug nose, widely spaced eyes and puffy cheeks. The face gives way to a plump, short body covered with carved scales and terminating in an upward tail fin, lined with multiple parallel vertical lines. In the center of the side of the fish’s body, there is a scuffed medallion ringed by eight petals and containing several small circles. There is an open elongated hole along the bottom. The fish is suspended from a woven chord, attached to the top of the fish near the tail and near the head.
Blue Room
Commentary
In Buddhist temple complexes across East Asia, wooden fish are struck for ceremonial purposes. The inscription beneath the fish mouth reads, "Made by Ryozan."