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Japanese Antique Wood Carving Catfish 1900s-1940s / Figurine Object Wabisabi
$650
£490.10
€564.78
CA$901.73
A$1,010.38
CHF 525.94
MX$12,360.43
NOK 6,675.84
SEK 6,305.25
DKK 4,216.16
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About the Item
This is an old carved wooden catfish made in Japan.
It was made in the early Showa period (1900s-1940s) and is made of zelkova wood, which has a profound and beautiful grain. Zelkova wood has long been used in Japan for architecture, furniture, and sculpture, and its powerful texture enhances the presence of this work.
The wood carving of this catfish was probably done by hand by a private citizen, not by the artist. Rather than the work of a skilled craftsman, it is shaped by a simple hand and intuitive expression, and its rough-hewn form is what gives it its strong appeal.
The surface, with the traces of machete and chisel left intact, gives the impression of strength and roughness to the viewer. Although not highly finished, the imperfection of the carving creates a sense of familiarity that leaves a deep impression in the viewer's mind.
In Japan, the catfish is a legendary creature believed to predict earthquakes, and at the same time, it has been popular as a good-luck charm as a symbol of "calming the earth. Especially since the Edo period (1603-1867), catfish have been used as a motif in paintings and sculptures as a guardian to protect houses from fire and earthquakes. This sculpture may also have been a symbol of such wishes and prayers.
Because it is not perfect, you can feel the traces of time and human activity in it, and it has an appearance as if it is quietly speaking to you.
Weight: 1.5 kg
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Our Philosophy
Objects always tell the truth.
All I can do is just to face with them sincerely and give
them deep affection as much as I can.
There is no boundary of nationalities and of eras in beauty.
But I think now is the time we choose 'Japanese style' and it
will be the best way to remind us of what we are losing
today and to question us about an essence of beauty again.
I hope that you can touch the memories which the objects here have,
feel and think of something invisible but exists undoubtedly.
- Dimensions:Height: 4.34 in (11 cm)Width: 16.54 in (42 cm)Depth: 3.94 in (10 cm)
- Style:Showa (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1900s-1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chōsei District Nagara, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10403245358722
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chōsei District Nagara, Japan
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