In
Japan, it said that when the earth shakes that it is caused by the jishin-uwo,
the earthquake fish, a catfish like creature of gargantuan proportions. The jishen-uwo,
is said to be seven hundred miles long and to hold the world on its back. Specifically
it stretches the length of the island of Japan. It is said that as soon as this
creatures large feelers move that an earthquake is about to rumble.
This
finely rendered late Meiji Era ivory okimono depicts a gargantuan jishin-uwo that
leaps above a father and son who gaze forward anchored in a peaceful but proactive
stance. The depiction of father and son is representative of Mejii era characterizations
that depict the intimacies of personal life. Here there the strength of family
and the purity of filial bonds sustain regardless of exterior circumstances. The
father and son appear to ride the swirl of the wave itself steadiness amongst
turbulence. The facial countenances on both the father and son reveal both archetypal
and individual characteristics. The father and son's kimonos lie on their bodies
with natural ease and are embellished with distinctive traditional Japanese textile
motifs. The fishing basket is rendered in high detail as is the net carried by
the son. The base of the figure is signed and displays the distinctive crystalline
structure of the walrus tusk amongst an artfully etched leaf motif. This ivory
okimono has few minor age cracks, oveall remains in very good condition. (SD)
Sold
to Private Collection
