Record

CollectionABDUA University of Aberdeen, Human Culture Collection
Object NameNetsuke
Ivory Carving
Object NumberABDUA:61812
Other NumberC267+2
Other Number TypeOld Number
Brief DescriptionFigure representing the Tongue-Cut Sparrow or Shita-kiri Suzume, with makers mark, Shugyoko to the base.
DimensionsL: 42 x H: 33 x W: 43mm
MaterialsIvory
ConditionGood
CompletenessComplete
Techniquecarved
MakerSigned: Sh?gyoku (or Sh?gyokusai), late 18th century (Information provided by Dr Louise Boyd, NMS, May 18)
Place KeyAsia, Japan
Object History NoteOn display in 'Substance to Style' exhibition in Sir Duncan Rice Library Mar-Sep 2019
Publication NoteLEMUR Database
CaptionNetsuke representing the 'tongue-cut sparrow' (Shita-kiri Suzume) with maker's mark Shugyoko
Japan, late eighteenth century, Tokugawa period
The traditional story of the 'tongue-cut sparrow' tells of a kind old man who saved an injured sparrow, and his cruel wife who cut out the bird's tongue and sent it away. The old man went searching for the bird and found the sparrow's inn, where the bird and its friends rewarded him with treasure. But when the old woman made the same journey she was punished with a basket of deadly snakes.
Author: Jenny Downes
Purpose: Substance to Style
Aquisition SourceMontagu, Lady Sydney Charlotte; Keith-Falconer, 9th Countess of Kintore
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