Signed Ivory Japanese Netsuke of a Kappa on a Catfish

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Signed Ivory Japanese Netsuke of a Kappa on a Catfish

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Sold Date: 10/07/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

Signed Ivory Japanese Netsuke of a Kappa ona Catfish

This is a Very nice high quality ivory netsuke depicting a Kappa riding (or possibly capturing) a large catfish. This netsuke is a true work of art, and is signed by the artist. Just look at the detail to the scales of the kappa's skin, and his shell. Even more impressive is the detail that went into the carving of the teeth of both the kappa and the catfish. This netsuke has definitely been carved with great skill, and it dates back to some time around the late 19 th /early 20th century (circa 1890s-1900s). The netsuke looks to be in very good condition with no breaks or losses, and only a couple of minor hairline age cracks on the bottom between the chord holes. It measures 4.75cm (1.85 inches) high.

The Kappa is a very interesting creature of Japanese myth. It is a creature that inhabits swamps, lakes, ponds, and slow moving rivers. A Kappa is a human-like amphibious creature with a taste for human blood. Kappas are no larger in size than that of a small 6 to 10 year old child. However, one should be warned not to ever underestimate a Kappa by its small size, as Kappas are said to possess the strength of 10 men, and have been known to take down horses and cattle. Kappas are also incredibly limber, and it is said that they are able to fully rotate their arm and leg joints. Knowing this, it is no surprise that Kappas are very fond of sumo wrestling.

A Kappa basically looks like a small monkey-man with a shell on its back and a bad "Moe" (from The Three Stooges) bobbed hair cut. They have webbed hands and feet, scaly skin, and a strange hairless depression on top of their head. It is in this saucer-like depression that they keep a small amount of water from their home. According to legend, the kappa draws its incredible strength from this small supply of water, which is carefully carried with him when he ventures out onto dry land. In addition, t are those that say that this small supply of water is not only responsible for the Kappa's powers, but also essential to its survival, and if it is lost, the Kappa must immediately return to its watery home or it will soon die.

Kappas are said to frequent places w roads or pathways run along side bodies of water. It is places like this w they lie in ambush, waiting for unsuspecting travelers. They leap out with lightning fast reflexes, grab their victim, and pull them into water, drowning them as they suck out all of their victim's bodily fluids. It is not uncommon, even today, to see signs on riverbanks in Japan warning people of the dangers that exist from potential Kappa attacks.

Kappas are said to have a very foul fishy odor to them, and if you ever smell such an odor while walking along the bank of any body of water in Japan , you would be well advised to move away at once. It is also good to remember that kappas hate metal objects and loud noises such as gunfire. That being said, if you are ever unfortunate enough to happen upon a kappa when you are unarmed, you should immediately bow deeply, as kappas are also polite to a fault. The Kappa will automatically bow appropriately in return, even though he still probably intends on killing you. However, his strict adnce to etiquette will be his undoing, in that his polite gesture of bowing will cause the water that is stored on top of his head to spill out, leaving him helpless and at your mercy. In such a situation, the Kappa will often plead for mercy and bargain for its life. While most people would probably question the Kappa's sincerity at this point, one should know that in addition to being very polite, kappas are also creatures of their word, and they always keep their promises. So if you should decide to help him and return him to the water, he will keep every promise that he made to you, and he will be loyal to you for as long as he lives.

In addition to human blood, kappas also have a very strong affection for cucumbers, and they can often be reasoned with if t is a cu...