Carving

29-96-343

From: Japan | Asakusa Temple

Curatorial Section: Asian

Object Number 29-96-343
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Japanese | Buddhist
Provenience Japan | Asakusa Temple
Date Made 1700
Section Asian
Materials Wood | Gilt
Iconography Shachihoko | Shachi
Description

Wood carving of a shachihoko (鯱鉾) a composite animal with the body of a carp and the head of a tiger. They are often seen adorning temple rooftops in Japan. This example has gilding and features large eyes with a petal-like flare encircling them as well as a large mouth with protruding fangs.

Length 60 cm
Credit Line Bequest of Maxwell Sommerville, 1904
Other Number CG98-1-90 - Found in Collection Number

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