China

Chinese

Wood (Mahogany)
Mid 20th century
Length: 7.25 in; Width: 3 in; Depth: 2 in
Beater length: 6.625 inn
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Slit Drums

This muyu is a small hand-held temple block of the Han Chinese, carved in the shape of a fish, possibly a koi.  It is used to accompany chants (‘sutras’) in Taoist and Buddhist ceremonies.  This stylized fish holds in its mouth the mallet with a ball-like end, symbol of the universe.  Having no eyelids, the fish symbolizes wakeful attention and vigilance in devotion.  It is classified as a slit drum and was first described as a specifically Buddhist instrument, struck with regular beats to accompany the chanting of monks and nuns.  Later it was used in the percussion section of the Cantonese ensembles.  Related to the Chinese muyu are the Japanese mokugyo and the Korean mokt’ak.