Japanese big 16 inch antique temple find from early Taisho period, 1912-1926,

Condition: beautiful used condition just the way we like to find them

A large hand-carved hand lacquered, and hand gilded wooden chanting drum mokugyo, a fish form wooden percussion instrument and chanting gong once used in zen temples in chanting sessions. Taisho period (1912-1926). A striker is included.

Dimensions: Big 16 inches diameter

This wooden instrument was authentically used by monks and laity involving the recitation of sutras, mantras, or other Buddhist texts. It serves to keep rhythm during sutra chanting often when chanting name Amitabha. Useage wear appropriate for its good age and genuine use.

This is not a reproduction.

Signed by maker

Hand made, hand-carved, hand gilt, only one of this Taisho age

What was Japan’s Taisho period known for?

The Taisho period of Japan dates from July 30, 1912, to December 25, 1926, the time of the Emperor Taisho. This era is considered to be a time of liberal movement known as “Taisho democracy” and an epic period of great artistic freedom in Japan. Indeed Taisho art is distinguished by simple lines and less complicated forms and was a period heavily influenced by the arts and crafts movements in Europe and America. Taisho era was also politically distinguishable from the chaotic aspects of the earlier Meiji period and militaristic tendencies of the following Showa period.