Ritual Staff (Shakujō) early 19th century Japan In Japan, the shakujō usually consists of a wooden handle or pole topped with a metal finial with two sections, each with three rings. When begging, a monk rattles this staff to announce his arrival at the door or gate of a household without breaking his vow of silence. The shakujō is still used by followers of shugendō, an ascetic Buddhist practice undertaken in mountainous areas.. Ritual Staff (Shakujō). Japan. early 19th century. Bronze; handle of lacquered wood with silk cord. Edo period (1615-1868). Metalwork