Wooden Slit-Drum (Mokugyo)
maker
Ryozan
(active Japan, mid 18th century)
Datemid 18th century
Place MadeJapan, East Asia
MediumGesso on oak
Dimensions23.2 x 36.8 cm (9 1/8 x 14 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsMusical Instruments
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberS3n14
eMuseum ID720004
EmbARK ObjectID11059
TMS Source ID310
Last Updated8/9/24
Status
Not on viewWeb CommentaryIn Buddhist temple complexes across East Asia, wooden fish are struck for ceremonial purposes. The inscription beneath the fish mouth reads, "Made by Ryozan."
BibliographyNotesLeonard & Co. Catalogue of the Rare Objects in Wood, Pewter and Brass Illustrating the Art of Old Japan to be sold at unrestricted public sale by order of Mr. Bunkio Matsuki (Boston, 9-11 November 1903), p. 22. lot. 148. (dated 1700)
MarksNotesInscribed (underneath chin): 良山作
ProvenanceNotesCollection of the Japanese art dealer Bunkio Matsuki (1867-1940), Boston. Purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner from the Matsuki sale by the auctioneers Leonard & Co. at Copley Hall for $12 on 9 November 1903, lot 148.
Unknown
