英語の後に日本語が続きます。
This 4 cm boxwood sculpture is a netsuke titled "Sennin and Karako" (meaning "Daoist immortal and child"), carved by Seiho Azuma. It was on show this March at the
Tokyo National Museum. A netsuke is a small, carved ornament—typically made of ivory or wood—worn as a toggle in traditional Japanese dress to attach items to a kimono sash (Source:
Lexico).
Daoist immortals attained their status through spiritual practice, and I have always been fascinated by them. In particular, I am a great fan of Fukurokuju—one of these immortals and the Japanese god of wisdom, luck, longevity, wealth, and happiness. He is famous for having a head that is almost as large as his entire body. I like him so much that I’ve written about several Fukurokuju
netsuke. If you are interested in them, take a look at
this post.
Secondly, I like sweet autumn clematis—known as the 'Daoist immortal plant' in Japanese—because its fluffy achenes look like the beard of a Daoist immortal.
I also wrote about this flower a few days ago.
Thirdly, I'm also a great fan of the Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa (1892 - 1927), who must have liked Daoist immortals deeply, as he wrote two short stories both titled 'Daoist Immortal.' Ryunosuke Akutagawa took his own life at the age of 35 but is regarded as the 'father of the Japanese short story.' The Akutagawa Prize, Japan's premier literary award, is named after him. It's so sad and ironic that someone so interested in immortals ended his own life at such a young age.
If you love netsuke, check out
this list of over 40 stunning pieces!
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"Daoist immortal and child" by Seiho Azuma, boxwood「仙人と唐子」東声方作 黄楊
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東京国立博物館に展示されていた根付「仙人と唐子」です。東声方作、黄楊製です。
そして、これまた私の好きな芥川龍之介ですが、何と「仙人」という短編を2つも書いているんです！よっぽど仙人のことを好きだったんでしょうね。でも不老不死の仙人にそんなに興味のあった彼が35歳で自殺するなんてちょっと悲しいですね｡｡｡
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