Japanese Carved Ivory Sashi Netsuke

Period: 1800-1900

Origin: Japan

Medium: Ivory

Literature: These legendary ‘Yokai’ were said to have fabulously long limbs extending to seven or nine yards. Alone neither of them could catch enough fish to survive, but together with Ashinaga’s long legs they could wade far into the sea and Tenaga, sitting on his friends back, could with his very long arms, reach down and catch octopi and other tasty delicacies. They were also known for their abundant curly hair like the Ainu, an aboriginal race distinct from the Japanese who still inhabit Yezo in the far north of Japan.