Description
This Mokugyo is the real deal. Handcrafted in Japan from camphor laurelwood, it is a pleasure to behold as well as use. It is suitable for a Zen hall, home altar, or display case. You’ll find beautiful detail in the carved fish design which is traditional for Zen drums and reminds us to be always wakeful, like a fish that doesn’t sleep. This Mokugyo has a light natural finish on it, which shows off its wood grain without paint or heavy lacquer.The striker is made from birch, and has a high quality striking head. The pillow is similarly top rate, sewn to a high standard with lovely brocade.
A Mokugyo is a temple drum traditionally used to accompany Buddhist chanting, but can be used as a general percussion instrument.
FAQs
What is a mokugyo used for?
A mokugyo is a temple drum traditionally used to accompany Buddhist chanting. It keeps rhythm during sutra recitation and group practice, but it also works well as a general percussion instrument.
What does the mokugyo symbolize?
The carved fish design is traditional for Zen drums and carries a teaching: a fish never closes its eyes, so the mokugyo reminds practitioners to stay always wakeful and attentive.
What is it made of?
The drum is handcrafted in Japan from camphor laurelwood with a light natural finish that highlights the wood grain—no paint or heavy lacquer. The striker is made of birch with a high-quality striking head.
What’s included with the mokugyo?
Each mokugyo comes with the drum, a birch striker, and a brocade cushion (pillow). The cushion isn’t just decorative—it lifts the drum and helps produce a fuller, richer sound.
How big is it and how much does it weigh?
The drum measures 5.5″ wide, 7″ long, and 5.25″ high (7″ high when resting on its cushion). The striker is 11″ long, and the whole piece weighs about 1.5 lbs.
What does it sound like?
Customers describe the sound as rich, deep, and sonorous—well suited to accompanying chanting practice. The cushion enhances the tone by letting the wood resonate freely.
Where will it work best?
It’s suitable for a Zen hall, a home altar, or a display case. Its size and finish make it equally at home in a formal practice space or a personal sitting place.
Is it suitable for any particular tradition?
Mokugyo are used across Buddhist traditions. Customers have used this one for Zen practice and for chanting Namo Amida Buddha, among others.
How do I care for it?
Keep it dry and away from direct heat or prolonged sunlight, which can affect the wood over time. Dust with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water and chemical cleaners that could damage the natural finish.
The sound is rich and sonorous. The wood is polished and beautiful with the grains swirled. The beautiful cushion makes for a better sound. Wonderful customer service and for this price range, it has a perfect rich deeper sound for accompanying chanting practice in our Zen center.
Glad you like our Mokugyo Martine. But it DOES come with a pillow, or it should! We’ll send you one today!
Wonderful mokugyo! Pleasant sound and perfect for chanting Namo Amida Buddha.
Perfect for what I wanted for my sitting place.