Dora 銅鑼 Fish-shaped gong - Gong - Japan

This is a very rare fish-shaped Japanese gong (Dora 銅鑼), believed to date from the late Edo to Meiji period, approximately 100–150 years old.

Unlike ordinary circular gongs, this example is crafted in the form of a fish, making it an exceptionally unusual and collectible piece. Even among antique Japanese gongs, fish-shaped examples are rarely encountered.

The entire surface is decorated with carefully carved scales and expressive details, giving the piece a charming yet powerful appearance.
The aged patina and uneven texture created over many decades add depth and atmosphere that cannot be reproduced by modern works.

In Buddhism and East Asian tradition, the fish is a symbolic motif associated with vigilance, awakening, and spiritual discipline. Fish-shaped instruments were sometimes connected with temples and ritual settings, which gives this piece a solemn and historical presence.

A gong (Dora 銅鑼) is a traditional Japanese percussion instrument made of bronze or brass and struck with a mallet to produce resonant sound. Historically, gongs were used in Buddhist ceremonies, Kabuki theater, folk performing arts, tea ceremony culture, and even as maritime signaling instruments.

I have handled many antique Japanese objects and many traditional gongs, but a fish-shaped example of this age and character is extraordinarily rare.

This is not only a musical or ritual object, but also an impressive display piece with strong presence and historical atmosphere.

Pieces like this almost never appear on the market, especially in such a distinctive fish-shaped form with this level of age and atmosphere.
For collectors of Japanese antiques, Buddhist artifacts, or rare folk art objects, this is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly memorable piece.

Hight 24.8 cm
Wide 33.3 cm
Depth 1.5 cm
Weight 1580 g

Condition:
The overall condition is generally good. There are signs of wear such as dullness, scratches, fading, dirt, and scuffs due to aging. It was stored at home for a long time. We have posted many photos, so please take a look.

Atention:
The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.

Shipping:
The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan.
We will use either DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number.
Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding.

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