Lady of Light
Administrator
Uncovered this within an alternative web-site I used to sign up for.
"Namazu-e: Earthquake catfish prints"
In November 1855, the Great Ansei Earthquake struck the city of Edo (now Tokyo), claiming 7,000 lives and inflicting widespread damage.
Within days, a new type of color woodblock print known as namazu-e (lit. "catfish pictures") became popular among the residents of the shaken city.
These prints featured depictions of mythical giant catfish (namazu) who, according to popular legend, caused earthquakes by thrashing about in their underground lairs.
In addition to providing humor and social commentary, many prints claimed to offer protection from future earthquakes
http://pinktentacle.com/2011/04/nama...atfish-prints/
"Namazu-e: Earthquake catfish prints"
In November 1855, the Great Ansei Earthquake struck the city of Edo (now Tokyo), claiming 7,000 lives and inflicting widespread damage.
Within days, a new type of color woodblock print known as namazu-e (lit. "catfish pictures") became popular among the residents of the shaken city.
These prints featured depictions of mythical giant catfish (namazu) who, according to popular legend, caused earthquakes by thrashing about in their underground lairs.
In addition to providing humor and social commentary, many prints claimed to offer protection from future earthquakes
http://pinktentacle.com/2011/04/nama...atfish-prints/