A large ebony netsuke of a Namazu (鯰) or Ōnamazu (大鯰)
Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
L. 13 cm
Carved in the form of a large namazu (catfish), the body gracefully curved and smoothly contoured, with finely incised gills and fins, and finished with a subtle polish to a soft sheen. The rounded head is set with striking double-inlaid eyes of pale translucent and dark horn. Two himotoshi are neatly pierced to the underside.
Legend has it that certain types of catfish (namazu) are responsible for the earthquakes that plague the islands of Japan. When aroused, these creatures would contort their bodies in such a way that gigantic tremors shook the area for miles and miles. The Shinto deity Kadori Myojin usually attempts to prevent such catastrophe with the help of his magic gourd.
L. 13 cm
Carved in the form of a large namazu (catfish), the body gracefully curved and smoothly contoured, with finely incised gills and fins, and finished with a subtle polish to a soft sheen. The rounded head is set with striking double-inlaid eyes of pale translucent and dark horn. Two himotoshi are neatly pierced to the underside.
Legend has it that certain types of catfish (namazu) are responsible for the earthquakes that plague the islands of Japan. When aroused, these creatures would contort their bodies in such a way that gigantic tremors shook the area for miles and miles. The Shinto deity Kadori Myojin usually attempts to prevent such catastrophe with the help of his magic gourd.
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