Untitled

Unknown

19th century · Bronze · Asian Art

This small, highly naturalistic turtle, an ornament known as an okimono, is enhanced by the green patina on the cast copper alloy body. Often represented in Japanese art as symbols of longevity, they were also associated with the mythical island of immortality, Mount Hōrai. The detailed, realistic depiction of animals in metal was a characteristic genre of Meiji art.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891