Namazu-e (鯰絵, catfish picture)
Collection:CSM Museum & Study Collection
Date: 1855
Medium: O-ban Nishiki-e (大判錦絵, large-format coloured print)
Object number: O.11.25
DescriptionGhosts of the victims of the Ansei earthquake (安政の大地震) coming back to haunt catfish.
Namazu-e (鯰絵, catfish pictures) are published during the Edo period. They were published in large numbers following the Ansei earthquake of 2 October 1855, based on the folk belief that an earthquake was caused by a large catfish active underground.
Namazu-e (鯰絵, catfish pictures) are published during the Edo period. They were published in large numbers following the Ansei earthquake of 2 October 1855, based on the folk belief that an earthquake was caused by a large catfish active underground.