A doorbell that was displayed at the entrance from the Edo period to the Meiji period. Name is Kaipan「開梆」（かいぱん）. It was made between the Edo period and the Meiji period, about 150 to 200 years ago. "Kaipan" is a wooden ritual implement unique to Obaku sect temples, used to tell the time. It was introduced to Japan by Zen Master Ingen when he came to Japan. It is a fish-shaped sound-making instrument, and is also called "gyoho" (fish beam), "gyoban" (fish board), or "gyoko" or "gyoku" (fish drum) because of its shape. It is also called "hanpo" (meal beam) because it is used to tell the time for meals. It played the role of what we now call a doorbell. It is said to be the origin of the mokugyo used in temples, and when you hit the circular part in the center, it makes a "clank clank" sound. It is finished with a lacquering technique called Negoro-nuri, and the body has a red gradation. It also has distinctive teeth and a very unique face. Tai is beautiful to look at, and as its name suggests, it has been used in celebratory dishes in Japan since ancient times as a lucky fish. It is also often used in Japan as an analogy for big profits and great treasures. Negoro-nuri is a type of Japanese painting technique, and is lacquerware with vermilion lacquer applied over a black lacquer base. It originates from Negoro-ji Temple in Wakayama Prefecture. Generally, old vermilion lacquerware often has the vermilion lacquer on the surface peeling off, exposing the black lacquer that was applied as an undercoat here and there, revealing the pattern. Pieces that are finished with black lacquer without a coat of vermilion lacquer are sometimes called "kuro negoro" and the opposite is called "aka negoro." Height 26.2 cm Width 61.0 cm Depth 12.0 cm Weight 7480 g Condition: There is no noticeable damage, but there are cracks, scratches, stains, scuffs, peeling, dents, etc. Please take a look at the many photos we have 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 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. 120823031212