Netsuke "Octopus Trap" 蛸壺牙彫根付

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

This 4 cm sculpture is a netsuke shaped like an octopus trap, shown at the Tokyo National Museum this past March. Carved from ivory by Mitsuhiro in the 19th century, the octopus's funny face is so charming.🐙

An octopus trap is used for octopus fishing. Interestingly, the Japanese term 'tako beya' (literally 'octopus room') refers to historical forced labor camps, named because the workers were trapped just like octopuses.

'Tako beya' or 'octopus room,' refers to a harsh work system that began during the Meiji period (1868–1912), under which laborers were forced to work on construction sites or in coal mines with inadequate meals. They slept in accommodation huts called 'tako beya' because workers could not escape from the labor camps, much like an octopus trapped in a pot. While forced labor and such camps are now banned by the Labor Standards Act, Japan faces a modern counterpart: "black companies." These are firms that hire many contract workers or part-timers and force them to work heavy unpaid overtime through threats and harassment.

Aside from its complicated history and modern socio-economic issues, Japan really loves octopus—not just as a sushi topping, but as a theme in art, like this netsuke.

If you love netsuke, check out this post to see more than 40 pieces! 

 

"Octopus trap," Mitsuhiro, ivory「蛸壺牙彫根付」光弘 象牙

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東京国立博物館の「蛸壺牙彫根付」、光弘作（19世紀）、象牙製です。とぼけた顔がカワイイです🐙！蛸というと「蛸部屋」といった強制労働に関連するよくない言葉がありますね。今は「タコ部屋労働」は法律で禁止されていますが、ブラック企業が増えています。

ただ、タコ自身に罪はありません。個人的にはタコの寿司、カルパッチョが大好きです！

根付お好きな方はこちらの記事もご覧ください。40以上の根付を掲載してます！

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