Circa 1880
 
The mermaid lying, turning to her left, curling up as she clutches a tama, forming a compact composition. The wood well patinated and signed at the bottom.
 
L. 3.5 cm
 
Provenance:
Amsterdam antiques trade, 1990s
Private collection, the Netherlands
 
Japanese folklore has its own version of mermaids, known as “Ningyo” (人魚). These mystical creatures are quite different from the mermaids Europeans often imagine. Ningyo are said to have the body of a fish and the face of a human, often described as both enchanting and eerie.
 
Legend has it that eating the flesh of a Ningyo can grant immortality, but catching one brings storms and misfortune. Ningyo are symbols of mystery and caution, reminding us of the powerful and unpredictable nature of the sea.