Turtle

Japan

Not on view

This small, highly naturalistic turtle, an ornament known as an okimono, is enhanced by the green patina on the cast copper alloy body. Often represented in Japanese art as symbols of longevity, they were also associated with the mythical island of immortality, Mount Hōrai. The detailed, realistic depiction of animals in metal was a characteristic genre of Meiji art.

Turtle, Copper alloy, Japan

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