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A Mingei Wood Carved Hinged Box - Dragon Carp - Edo browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives:Regional Art: Pre 1900: item # 649383 Please refer to our stock # ICHI 378 when inquiring.
Ichiban Japanese & Oriental Antiques Post Office Box 395 Marion, CT 06444-0395 203.272.7392 Guest Book SOLD - $2,395.00 |
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| This is a masterpiece of the Japanese woodcarvers skill. It is a long hinged box carved in the shape of the legendary "dragon carp" of Chinese folklore. Each side of the box show incredible detail in the scales, eyes, fins and every aspect of the dragon carp. Both sides were carved separately as can be seen from minor variations in the details. The two sides are then joined by a full length hand wrought hinge that causes the box to close very closely. Now - the most fascinating aspect of the case can be found on the interior. There are six recessed slots with small holes in the middle of a bridge like crosspiece. In one, a surviving example of what was stored in the case is found a steel spear point measuring 6" long. The spear point appears to be one such as is used in spear fishing. We theorize that the case was designed to hold six spearfishing spear points and would have been carried by a servant on the banks alongside of a Daimyo or Shogun. As spear points were used, they would be passed down to the fisherman for his next try. The case measures 9" long and is 3 1/2" wide by 1" thick. When the two sides are opened, they measure 6 7/8" wide. Excellent condition and patina. An extremely rare mingei wooden artifact which we date from the late Edo period, circa 1800-1850. The Huang Ho (Yellow River) flows across the Chinese continent. In order to reach its source, a carp must attempt an assent towards a valley of rapids called Longmen through the Jishishan Mountain, which stands deep in the Kunlun Mountains. A legend says that if a carp successfully swims up the Longmen Falls (Dragon’s Gate), it can transform into a dragon. Because of the legend, the carps became a symbol of human’s success in life in honor of their courage and persistence. | |||||||||||||||
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