Knocker ("wooden fish") on pedestal

Southeast Asian Collection

Accession Nr.: 2015.61.1.1-2
Type: religious or cult object; musical instruments; carving; textile arts
Date of production:
early 20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: wood, carved, engraved, textile
Dimensions: height: 10 cm
width: 11. 5 cm
Wooden knocker ("wooden fish") with engraved pattern for church service, with carved wooden base, textile braid. The object in question is part of a Vietnamese temple bell ensemble, the parts of which run in the collection under the following inventory numbers: 2015.60.1.1, 2015.60.1.2, 2015.62.1-2, 2015.62.1.3. The holes in the sides of the so-called wooden fish are essential for the creation of the corresponding sounds. The object in question is one of the most important rhythm instruments in Buddhist rituals and recitations.