Netsuke "Kappa and Clam" 河童蛤角彫根付

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

This is a 19th-century ivory netsuke of a 'Kappa and Clam' from the Tokyo National Museum. Carved by an unknown artist, it measures between 4 to 5 cm in length.

Size-wise, this netsuke feels off because the clam is huge or the kappa is tiny. Kappa—Japanese legendary creatures—are human-like except for their green skin, webbed hands and feet, turtle-like shells, and the water-filled dish on their heads. They supposedly die if the dish dries out or breaks. They’re also famously fond of cucumbers🥒, so this little guy must prefer clams instead.

A netsuke is a small carved ornament, especially of ivory or wood, worn as part of Japanese traditional dress as a toggle by which an article may be attached to the sash of a kimono (Source: Lexico). If you love netsuke, check out this list of dozens of items!

Netsuke "Kappa and Clam"  河童蛤角彫根付

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東京国立博物館に展示されていた「河童蛤角彫根付」です。象牙製で19世紀作です。それにしてもサイズ感がおかしい｡｡｡ このカッパ、ちっちゃすぎるでしょ。しかも胡瓜じゃなくて蛤のこと、そんなに好きなのね｡｡｡

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