Kashira with a ""Namazu"" (Earthquake Fish)

19th century (late Edo) 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm) (l.) Citation Source image

According to Japanese legends, a large catfish who lives underground is responsible for earthquakes. The catfish is known as "namazu." Humans are often depicted trying to subdue him with a gourd. The motif symbolizes futile effort. This kashira is part of a set with Walters 51...

Artifact

id
id
39024
contentType
contentType
object
stage
stage
normalized
provenance
provenance
William T. / Henry Walters Collection, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
rightsUri
rightsUri
CC0
language
language
en
pageCount
pageCount
1
source
source
import
Source image fields (5)
thumbnailUrl https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/PS3_51.914_Fnt_DD_JP09.jpg
largeImageUrl https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/PS3_51.914_Fnt_DD_JP09.jpg
iiifBase https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/PS3_51.914_Fnt_DD_JP09.jpg
imageCount 1
sourceUrl https://purl.thewalters.org/art/51.914