Creative Commons License
Kashira with a "Namazu" (Earthquake Fish)
(Japanese Military Armor)
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 51.913.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
William T. / Henry Walters Collection, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Japan, Tokyo (Edo)
(Place of Origin)
Japan, Mito (Place of Origin)
Measurements
1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm) (l.)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
51.914
