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  • a close-up view of a weathered, textured surface with a red and black color scheme.
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Wabisabi Antiques

Antique Wooden Fish Drum, Kaipan Mokugyo, Lacquered W32.3in/82cm.

Antique Wooden Fish Drum, Kaipan Mokugyo, Lacquered W32.3in/82cm.

$810.00 USD
$0.00 USD $810.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Free shipping to the US, Western countries, Asia and Oceania

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Weight:

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A striking lacquered carving measuring W32.3in/82cm—the Antique Wooden Fish Drum—was used in Obaku Zen temples to signal the time and the start of ceremonies. Known as a Kaipan and the prototype of the mokugyo, this large wooden fish drum preserves the wide-open eyes and open mouth holding a ball that symbolizes worldly desire, while multiple lacquer layers let the red ground peek through. Hung by a cord through the top hole, it reads as both a Buddhist ritual item and a piece of hanging wood decor for homes seeking Zen meditation art. The gong stands, but is intended to hang.



* Type: Kaipan (antique wooden fish drum / mokugyo sculpture)
* Material: Wood with lacquered finish (multiple lacquer layers, red ground visible)
* Size: H 11.8in × W 32.3in × D 3.9in (approx. H30cm × W82cm × D10cm)
* Weight: 239.4oz (6800g)
* Condition: Very good vintage condition with age-related scratches, peeling lacquer, and dirt
* Mounting: Hole at top for hanging cord; primarily designed as hanging temple bell / hanging wood decor
* Usage: Buddhist ritual item, Japanese temple gong, or statement home decor for meditation spaces
* Contents: Wooden fish drum only; mallet for striking is not included



Product details

This Antique Wooden Fish Drum is an authentic ritual percussion instrument from the Obaku Zen tradition, showing the characteristic wide, round eyes that remind monks to remain watchful. The carved fish holds a ball in its open mouth, a symbolic detail intended to teach about releasing worldly desire when struck. The lacquer has worn in places, allowing the red underlayer to peek through and offering a wabi-sabi aesthetic that suits Zen spiritual gift selections and wabisabi home decor.


Display and use

Designed to hang by the integrated hole, the piece makes an immediate visual statement as a Japanese temple gong or as vintage percussion wall art in entryways, meditation rooms, or dining halls. While it can rest on a shelf, its scale and balance are optimized for suspended display; striking it requires a hardwood mallet (not included) and care to preserve the lacquer surface.


Condition and care

This lacquered wood art is described as very good for its age but shows expected signs of use: light scratches, small areas of peeling lacquer, and age-related staining. Avoid harsh cleaners; dust gently with a soft cloth and keep away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity to protect the lacquer and wood. Handling by the top hanging point is recommended to prevent stress on the carved body.


Provenance and authenticity

Identified as a Kaipan and related to the mokugyo family of instruments, the carving reflects traditional Japanese temple craftsmanship. Its dimensions and construction align with ritual pieces intended for Obaku Zen halls and temple dining areas, making it appropriate for collectors of Buddhist ritual items, Japanese antiques, and Zen meditation art.

🌐 ーーー SHOP POLICIES ーーー

🌐 International Buyers: Standard DDU terms. Custom duties/taxes are the buyer's responsibility upon delivery.

✈️ SHIPPING

• Free Shipping: To US, Europe, and most areas. 

• Surcharges: May apply to Australia, NZ, or remote areas for heavy/large items only. We will contact you before shipping (Full refund if canceled). Small/light items always ship free worldwide.

• Courier: Securely shipped via DHL, FedEx, EMS, or Japan Post with tracking. Carrier is selected by the shop; buyers cannot specify. Urgent upgrades available (please message us before buying).

📦 COMBINED SHIPPING

• We combine shipping for multiple purchases whenever safe. Any realized shipping savings will be promptly refunded to you after packaging.

🛡️ RETURNS & CONDITION

• Returns: Accepted within 7 days. Buyer pays round-trip shipping costs and processing fees for buyer's remorse.

• Condition: Our items are authentic antiques/vintage. Naturally, they carry signs of age (scratches/wear). Please examine all photos carefully before purchasing.


FAQ

Q: Is a mallet included with this Japanese Temple Gong?

A: No, a mallet is not included; the listing notes that the wooden fish drum is sold without a striking mallet.


Q: Can this Mokugyo Sculpture be used outdoors as Hanging Temple Bell decor?

A: The drum is lacquered wood and shows age-related wear; it is best displayed indoors or under cover to prevent further weathering.


Q: Does this item come with documentation proving it is an original Kaipan instrument?

A: The listing describes its use and form consistent with Kaipan instruments; no additional documentation or certification is provided in the listing.


Q: Is it suitable as a Zen spiritual gift or statement home decor piece?

A: Yes. Its size, lacquered finish, and symbolic carving make it suitable as a Zen spiritual gift, vintage percussion accent, or hanging wood decor for meditation spaces.


Q: How should I care for this Lacquered Wood Art?

A: Gently dust with a soft, dry cloth, avoid abrasive cleaners, and keep the drum away from direct sunlight and high humidity to preserve the lacquer and wood.

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Shipping

Though we ship items free to most addresses in USA and Europe, we may ask to pay additional fee for shipping to remote addresses where DHL/FedEx apply. Any orders can be cancelled in this case.

Combined shipping is available for purchase two and more items.Please contact in detail before ordering to avoid several payment transactions.

Due to increase of shipping fee to Australia and New Zealand, free shipping is not applied for orders to be shipped there from 1st, September 2024. We will inform customers of additional fee after receiving orders. Items will not be shipped until customers reply and in case there is no agreement with the tariff, orders will be cancelled.

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