"Polychrome Carved Wooden Katanakake - Meiji Period (1868-1912)."
JAPAN - Meiji Period (1868-1912). Polychrome carved wooden katanakake depicting a dragon-carp with a red lacquered mouth and eyes highlighted by glass beads. It consists of two carved elements joined with mortise and tenon joints and mounted on a black lacquered paulownia wood base. Dimensions: 43.5 x 38 x 15 cm. The katana shown in the last photo is not included with the katanakake. Notes: The carp is a symbol of strength and perseverance because it swims upstream against the current. According to legend, carp, after swimming upstream in the Yellow River, would fly to the sky, transforming into dragons.