For Peace and Tranquility (Kashima and Courtesans Confronting Catfish)

by Edo era artist (unsigned)

Current Status

For Peace and Tranquility (Kashima and Courtesans Confronting Catfish) by Edo era artist (unsigned)

Edo era Japanese Offset Lithograph Print
For Peace and Tranquility (Kashima and Courtesans Confronting Catfish)

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Lithograph Catfish Prints - Catfish prints became popular immediately following the 1855 Ansei Earthquake in Edo, based upon a folk belief that a giant catfish or namazu caused earthquakes by thrashing its body beneath the ground. This genre of prints, called namazu-e, often shows catfishes being punished or restrained in the wake of the quake, or in comical or humorous settings dressed in human clothing, such as playing a game of go or ken. Others show people praying to the Pivot-stone of Safety (kaname-ishi) at Kashima Shrine, used by the shrine's deity to restrain and control the earthquake catfish. Kashima is the God of Thunder, and he appears in some prints. Some even show construction workers or lumbermen showered with money, as they benefit from the increased business caused by earthquakes. A few prints claim to protect the possessor from earthquake damage. Original Edo era namazu-e are rarely seen and can be quite expensive. These lithograph reproductions of ukiyo-e subjects are a great way to collect these creative and imaginative designs.

Artist - Edo era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 10" x 14 5/8"

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top edge from original publisher mounting. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

For Peace and Tranquility (Kashima and Courtesans Confronting Catfish) by Edo era artist (unsigned)
For Peace and Tranquility (Kashima and Courtesans Confronting Catfish) by Edo era artist (unsigned)

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