Untitled

Unknown

18th century · Wood · Asian Art

Ashinaga ("long legs") and Tenaga ("long arms") are two mythical figures who utilize their enhanced extremities to capture creatures from the ocean. The pair thus transforms what might at first appear as physical disfigurements into a mutually beneficial attribute. Here Tenaga grasps the day's catch, an octopus, in his left hand. In turn, the octopus' tentacles ensnare Ashinaga's legs and Tenaga's arm, and one tentacle reaches up toward Ashinaga's back.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1910