A beautiful small portable prayer drum carved from a hollowed out piece of dark-wood with dragon fish handle and carved on one side with lotus leaves. It is 7.5 x 9 x 9 cm (3 x 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches) and is in overall excellent condition, with some wear on the smooth side where it has been struck with the prayer hammer.
A Mokugyo or "wooden fish," is a traditional percussion instrument used in Japanese Buddhist ritual practice. It is an intricately carved, hollow wooden drum shaped like a fish or round ball with a slit. It produces a resonant, rhythmic sound when struck with a padded mallet. The Mokugyo is most commonly used to maintain a steady rhythm during the chanting of Buddhist sutras (scriptures), helping practitioners focus and synchronize their recitation. It is used in Zen, Pure Land, and other Buddhist traditions in Japan during formal services, memorial rituals, and meditation sessions. The fish motif symbolizes wakefulness and diligence in Buddhism, as fish are believed never to sleep. This reminds practitioners to remain vigilant on their spiritual path.
