Netsuke of Ashinaga and Tenaga with an Octopus

18th century

Not on view

Ashinaga ("long legs") and Tenaga ("long arms") are two mythical figures who utilize their enhanced extremities to capture creatures from the ocean. The pair thus transforms what might at first appear as physical disfigurements into a mutually beneficial attribute. Here Tenaga grasps the day's catch, an octopus, in his left hand. In turn, the octopus' tentacles ensnare Ashinaga's legs and Tenaga's arm, and one tentacle reaches up toward Ashinaga's back.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Netsuke of Ashinaga and Tenaga with an Octopus
Period: Edo (1615–1868) or Meiji period (1868–1912)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); W. 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm); D. 7/8 in. (2.3 cm)
Classification: Netsuke
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1910
Object Number: 10.211.2348
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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