An exquisite natural snag of wood lovingly polished in the shape of a fish to act as a traditional door knock suspended by a well worn and sun bleached green silk chord. It is 53 x 10 x 17.5 cm (21 x 4 x 7 inches) and in overall fine condition. Japanese Door Knockers are usually in the shape of a koi (carp), this one, however, I believe is in the shape of a celebratory Tai (Sea Bream). This would have been hung outside the front door or gate, under the eaves, with a small wooden mallet. A guest would strike the wooden surface with the mallet to announce their arrival and or call the occupant to the door. The surface is abraded with hammer strike marks, almost like the scales of the fish itself. The essence of wabi-sabi lies in its celebration of imperfection, impermanence, and the understated beauty of the natural world. Rooted in Japanese aesthetics and deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, wabi-sabi invites a perspective that finds harmony and peace in irregularities, asymmetry, and rough textures.
Red Tai is prized both for its bright color, delicate flavor and for its traditional use as an auspicious food often served at New Year's and festive occasions such as weddings due to the fact its name is a homonym for celebration (Medetai).
