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Title: Rare & Authentic Antique Japanese Mokugyo (Wooden Fish Drum)
Overview:Up for sale is a beautiful, hand-carved Mokugyo, a traditional Japanese Buddhist percussion instrument used for rhythm during sutra chanting. This piece is a remarkable example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, featuring a deep, natural patina and an original maker’s mark.
Key Features: Artisanship: Hand-carved from a single block of wood, featuring the classic dragon-carp motif. The carving is deep and detailed, with a smooth, resonant hollow body.
Signed Maker’s Mark: The front is inscribed with (Kizue-saku), identifying it as a professional workshop piece.
Condition: Excellent antique condition with no cracking, chips, or structural damage. It displays a gorgeous, deep koshoku (aged patina) developed over decades of ritual use and exposure to incense.
Aesthetic: The carving edges have softened beautifully with age, providing a soft, organic look that modern reproductions cannot replicate.
Dimensions: 7 inches long x 7 inches Wide x 5.5 inches Age: Based on the carving style and the quality of the patina, this piece is estimated to date from the late Meiji (1868-1912) to early Taisho (1912-1926) era. It was clearly a well-maintained ritual object from a temple setting.