Handmade - Dora 銅鑼 Gong - Gong - Japan - 1893

This is an antique Japanese dora (銅鑼), a traditional Japanese gong, accompanied by its mallet.

One of the most important features of this gong is the inscription found on the outer rim. It reads “明治廿六年七月〇之” followed by “中組用”. The character or characters represented here by “〇” are unclear and cannot be identified with certainty from the present condition of the inscription.

“明治廿六年” refers to the 26th year of the Meiji era, corresponding to 1893. The date inscription therefore provides an important indication of the age of the gong. The additional inscription “中組用” literally indicates that the gong was intended for the use of a group or section referred to as “Nakagumi”. The precise identity or location of this “Nakagumi” is not known, but the inscription provides an interesting clue to the original use of the instrument.

The gong has a particularly substantial and thick construction, giving it a solid and impressive presence. The front surface is decorated with numerous small hammered or raised marks arranged in remarkably regular concentric circles. These closely spaced circular rows create a distinctive textured appearance and are one of the most striking visual characteristics of the piece.

The central area is relatively smooth and contrasts with the densely patterned surface surrounding it. Moving outward from the centre, the repeated circular arrangement of the small marks creates a strong sense of rhythm and symmetry. The edge and side of the gong are also clearly visible, showing the thickness of the metal and the traces of traditional workmanship.

The surface has developed a naturally aged patina over many years. There are variations in colour, areas of oxidation, rubbing, scratches, surface marks and darker areas across the gong. Small traces of greenish oxidation can also be seen in places. Rather than having a newly polished appearance, the gong retains the visual character of an old Japanese object with clear evidence of age and previous use.

The gong is accompanied by a wooden mallet. The mallet has a rounded wooden striking head and a dark metal or wooden-looking handle with decorative rings and a cord attached at the end. It is included with the gong as shown in the photographs. The exact history and originality of the mallet cannot be confirmed, so it is offered simply as an accompanying accessory.

A dora (銅鑼) is a traditional Japanese percussion instrument made from metal. Gongs of this type have been used in Japan in a variety of settings, including Buddhist and religious ceremonies, traditional performing arts, tea ceremony and other ceremonial or signalling purposes.

In the Japanese tea ceremony, the resonant sound of the dora has traditionally been used as a signal to participants and as part of the atmosphere of the ceremony. Gongs have also been associated with temples, traditional performances and other forms of Japanese cultural practice.

The present example is particularly interesting because it retains an explicit historical inscription dating it to the Meiji period. The combination of the “明治廿六年” date inscription and the additional “中組用” inscription provides a tangible connection to the object's former use, while the heavily aged surface preserves the visual character accumulated over many years.

The unusual concentric arrangement of the hammered surface marks is another particularly attractive feature. The pattern becomes especially striking when the gong is viewed from different angles, as the raised areas catch the light against the darker aged surface.

The gong shows considerable signs of age and previous use, including scratches, rubbing, oxidation, discolouration, patina variations and other surface marks. These characteristics should be regarded as part of the historical character of the object. Please examine all photographs carefully for the overall condition and details of the inscriptions and surface.

This antique Japanese dora combines substantial construction, distinctive traditional metalwork, a dated Meiji-period inscription and a separate accompanying mallet. It is an appealing object for collectors of Japanese traditional crafts, antique musical instruments, Buddhist and ceremonial objects, or historical Japanese metalwork.

Dora
Hight 4.4 cm
Wide 32.8 cm
Depth 33.8 cm
Weight 1110 g

Stick
Hight 27.1 cm

Condition:
There are signs of wear such as dullness, scratches, fading, dirt, scuffs, and dents due to age. This item has been stored at home for a long time. Please take a look at the many photos posted.

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 EMS, DHL or FedEx for a safe and secure transportation. Shipping costs have surged due to the global situation. Therefore, we generally use EMS to keep shipping fees as low as possible. We ask for your understanding in this matter. 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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