Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Articulated Spiny Lobster
(Japan and Korea )
This sculpture of a spiny lobster (ise ebi) is constructed to allow the separate ivory pieces to flex and move. Spiny lobster remains a luxury seafood in Japan and a staple during New Year’s celebrations. It symbolizes longevity due to its long antennae and 20-year lifespan. It also represents good fortune due to its red color.
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.
Ambassador and Mrs. William J. Sebald, Naples, Florida; Walters Art Museum, 1976, by gift.
Geographies
Japan (Place of Origin)
Measurements
Overall H: 2 15/16 × W: 8 9/16 × D: 13 9/16 in. (7.5 × 21.7 × 34.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Ambassador and Mrs. William J. Sebald, 1976
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.
1976.76.55