Earthquake Fish (Namazu)

anonymous, c. 1600 - c. 1868

The dangers inherent in Japanese nature are also reflected in art. These objects are often designed with gentle humour. This catfish represents the namazu: a mythical fish that, according to legend, lies under the islands of Japan and causes earthquakes.

  • Artwork typesculpture
  • Object numberAK-MAK-1339
  • Dimensionslength 19.5 cm x width 4.9 cm x depth 9 cm x thickness 2.5 cm

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Earthquake Fish (Namazu)

  • Object type

  • Object number

    AK-MAK-1339

  • Description

    Een namazu, de mythische, onder de eilanden van Japan gelegen vis die aardbevingen werd geacht te veroorzaken. Een lange vis met ingelegde ogen, een brede, platte bek en baarddraden. Op de buik een inscriptie.

Creation

  • Creation

    anonymous, Japan

  • Dating

    c. 1600 - c. 1868

  • Search further with

  • School / Style

Material and technique

  • Dimensions

    length 19.5 cm x width 4.9 cm x depth 9 cm x thickness 2.5 cm

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    On loan from the Royal Asian Art Society in The Netherlands (Westendorp-Osieck bequest, 1968)

  • Copyright

    Public domain

  • Provenance

    …; ? collection of Herman Karel Westendorp (1868-1941), Amsterdam, 1941;[Note RMA.} his widow Betsy Westendorp-Osieck (1880-1968), Amsterdam, by whom bequeathed to the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1968;{note RMA.} from whom on loan to the museum, 1972

Persistent URL

Questions?

Do you spot a mistake? Or do you have information about the object? Let us know!
  • Earthquake Fish (Namazu)
  • Earthquake Fish (Namazu)