Shakuco and Gold Crab Menuki

Shakudo and Gold Crabs

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Crabs are symbolic of bravery, and often illustrated with seaweed, bamboo stalks or grass, or with a monkey as part of a traditional tale. There is a species of crab called a "Heike" crab that often has a caripace that looks like a face. These crabs populate the area of Shimanoseki where the Taira clan suffered a major defeat at the battle of Dannoura. Taira warriors were lost in the sea and the faces on the Heike crabs' caripace is said to illustrate the transmigrated soul of a warrior who perished there. Crabs are still harvested in the region today and those that have face-like caripaces are returned to sea. These menuki are shakudo base metal with the central crab in gold overlay. Their posts are original and intact. They are large at 5.2 cm long and in high relief with excellent detailing, and would look excellent on a katana or by themselves.

Price: $450.00

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