Tengu Hatching from an Egg

18th century

Not on view

This type of representation of the birth of the mythical creature known as tengu, was most favored by netsuke carvers. The image of the small tengu breaking the shell of its egg is rendered particularly vivid through the use of red lacquer.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Tengu Hatching from an Egg
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Wood with red lacquer
Dimensions: H. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); W. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); D. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
Classification: Netsuke
Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Object Number: 91.1.1027
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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