The fish is a Buddhist symbol of watchfulness, reflecting a belief that the fish never sleeps. This state of wakeful awareness is reinforced by the hollow sound of the muyu, a fish-shaped slit drum used to accompany Buddhist chant. Laid flat and struck on the red circle with a mallet in measured beats, this version, from Yunnan Province, is a less abstract rendering than most temple instruments. The muyu may also be found in vocal and instrumental ensembles of Guangzhou Object Details Period:Qing dynasty (1644-1911) Date:early 20th century Geography:Yunnan Province (south), China Culture:Chinese Medium:Wood, polychrome Dimensions:Overall: H. 24.9 x W. 31.5 x D. 17.8cm (9 13/16 x 12 3/8 x 7in.) Classification:Idiophone-Struck-slit drum Credit Line:Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2006 Accession Number:2006.494
The fish is a Buddhist symbol of watchfulness, reflecting a belief that the fish never sleeps. This state of wakeful awareness is reinforced by the hollow sound of the muyu, a fish-shaped slit drum used to accompany Buddhist chant. Laid flat and struck on the red circle with a mallet in measured beats, this version, from Yunnan Province, is a less abstract rendering than most temple instruments. The muyu may also be found in vocal and instrumental ensembles of Guangzhou Object Details Period:Qing dynasty (1644-1911) Date:early 20th century Geography:Yunnan Province (south), China Culture:Chinese Medium:Wood, polychrome Dimensions:Overall: H. 24.9 x W. 31.5 x D. 17.8cm (9 13/16 x 12 3/8 x 7in.) Classification:Idiophone-Struck-slit drum Credit Line:Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2006 Accession Number:2006.494