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KamaitachiAlternate Name for Sickle Weasel in Japan

Size:4.8 × 4.7 × 2.1 cm
Material:japanese box wood with tree fern inlays
Year:2020

Explanation of work(SHION)
The illustration of "Kyūki Kama-itachi" in the book 'Gazu Hyakki Yakō' by TORIYAMA Sekien was sculpted and the title is the same as Sekien's "Kyūki".

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Aka-shitaRed Tongue

Size:5.1 × 4.3 × 4.3 cm
Material:japanese box wood with tree fern inlays
Year:2020

Explanation of work(SHION)
It is a Yōkai called Aka-shita or Aka-kuchi(Red Mouth). As the illustration in Sekien's book says, "Red Tongue" is covered with a black cloud, other than the face and the three claws, so you don't know what it really is. According to other book, there is a legend that it appeared in Tsugaru. In drought years, villagers upstream of the canals closed the floodgates in an attempt to monopolize water, but the floodgates opened during the night no matter how many times they tried. It is because Aka-shita secretly opened the floodgate for the villagers downstream.

SHION Profile

Born in Mie Prefecture.
2004: Began producing netsuke at the Tadamine NAKAGAWA Studio.
Shion produces a wide range of works including netsuke carving, engraved seals, figurines, precious metal works, and wax prototypes. He produces his artwork while also working in the agriculture industry of Ise, a traditional netsuke region. Shion specializes in netsuke of small animals. His life work is the dormouse.

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