The Namazu, also called the Onamazu, is a creature in Japanese mythology and folktales. The Namazu is a gigantic catfish said to cause earthquakes and tremors. They rose to new fame and popularity after the Ansei great earthquakes that happened near Edo in 1855. Catfish woodblock prints became their own popular genre. They were usually unsigned. The Tokugawa Shogunate censored and destroyed the prints. Only a handful survive to this day.

The Namazu, also called the Onamazu, is a creature in Japanese mythology and folktales. The Namazu is a gigantic catfish said to cause earthquakes and tremors. They rose to new fame and popularity after the Ansei great earthquakes that happened near Edo in 1855. Catfish woodblock prints became their own popular genre. They were usually unsigned. The Tokugawa Shogunate censored and destroyed the prints. Only a handful survive to this day. Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

CPA Media Pte Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

2B03BMH

File size:

54.8 MB (1.5 MB Compressed download)

Releases:

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Dimensions:

3600 x 5322 px | 30.5 x 45.1 cm | 12 x 17.7 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

8 December 2016

More information:

This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.